The Nittany Lions had a disappointing last-place finish at the Big Ten Championships, held last weekend at Michigan, but remain optimistic for next year.

The team was close to fifth place after the first round, but sat in eighth place at the end of first full day of competition. The Lions struggled with the winter weather that blew in early Sunday morning and finished 85 shots behind Ohio State, which won its fourth consecutive championship. Ohio State took first place with 900 shots, and Penn State took last place with 985.

Ann Arbor turned into the Antarctic early Sunday morning with gusts of wind blowing up to 20 miles per hour, temperatures below freezing and an inch of snow covering the ground.

"The weather was very unfortunate and that was the reason for the high scores today," Penn State coach Denise St. Pierre said. "It was hard to watch the balls, but people in contention to win didn't want to give up a round of golf."

Once again, junior Amber Weinerth led the team, finishing in a tie for 32nd place, while two freshmen, Christin Pacacha and Emily Pavesich, took 51st and 55th place, respectively.

"It was a great experience [for the two freshmen]," St. Pierre said. "They did well for the extra pressure of the tournament and the conditions."

The sour end to a disappointing season only brings more hope to next year's young squad. While Penn State didn't qualify for postseason play, St. Pierre said this season will serve as motivation for next year.

"The season didn't allow us for postseason play," St. Pierre said. "We'll take the end as a motivator and to be prepare for next fall. We have talent, it just hasn't happened yet. It is tough to feel proud and we will take it as a learning experience and a motivator."