Columbiana, Ohio / The Links at Firestone Farms - The Robert Morris University women's golf team opened the 2011-12 season Monday and Tuesday by playing in the Youngstown State Invitational at The Links at Firestone Farms. The Colonials finished third at the event with a team score of 666, posting a first round score of 336 and second round total of 330.

The host Penguins won the event with a 641 total, outpacing Bethel College (Ind.) by six strokes. Penguin golfer Aislynn Merling took medalist honors with a 152 total, beating her teammate and runner-up Allison Mitzel by five strokes.

Junior Jenna Rinker (Slippery Rock, Pa. / Slippery Rock) led the Colonials contingent by tying for fourth place. Rinker tackled the 5,983-yard, par 72 layout with rounds of 81 and 80 to post a 161 total. Senior Elizabeth Wenger (Toledo, Ohio / Whitmer) also placed in the top-10 after accumulating 165 strokes. She carded rounds of 82 and 83 to finish ninth.

Sophomore Alee Everman (Dayton, Ohio / Centreville) tied for 11^th by recovering from an opening round 85 to shoot 81 Tuesday. Junior Tess Wolfe (Beaver Falls, Pa. / Blackhawk) was 20^th (88-86=174) followed closely by sophomore Annie Bozich (Aliquippa, Pa. / Center) in 21^st (89-86=175).

Three Colonials played as individuals - freshman Sarah Weber (Hudson, Ohio / Hudson) tied for 18^th (86-87=173); freshman Tori Zachman (Hampstead, Md. / North Carroll) took 27^th (99-94=193); and senior Samantha Craig (Cranberry Township, Pa. / Seneca Valley) was 30^th (107-108=205).