COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Michigan State women’s golf team is rounding into form just in time with the Big Ten Championships one week away.

The Spartans took third place at the 12-team Lady Buckeye Invitational on Sunday after shooting a final round of 10-over-par 298. Overall, Michigan State finished seven shots behind No. 38 Kent State (883) and four strokes behind No. 41 Ohio State (886) with a 26-over 890 (296-296-298), MSU’s lowest 54-hole total of the season.

Several Spartans also had their top performances of the season. Gabby Yurik carded a 5-over 221 (76-72-73), a career low for the junior, to finish tied for fifth place, which was also a career best. It marked her second straight top-10 finish (tied for eighth at Bryan National Collegiate in Greensboro, North Carolina) and the fifth of her career. She had six birdies for the tournament.

Katie Sharp delivered her first top-10 finish, tying for 10th place at 9-over 225 (75-73-77). Both her score (225) and finish (10th) represented career bests for the native of Kendallville, Indiana.

Junior transfer Alison Knowles, playing in her fifth tournament as a Spartan, tied for 12th place, her best showing wearing the Green and White. Knowles finished with a 10-over 226 (72-77-77) and tied for the team lead with seven birdies.

Lindsey McPherson finished in the top 20 for the second time in her career, tying for 18th at 12-over 228 (73-79-76). McPherson collected seven birdies and one eagle in the tournament.

Freshmen Sarah Burnham and Jacqueline Setas each shot counting scores on Sunday with a 75 and 74, respectively. For Setas, the 74 matched a season low (second round, Tar Heel Invitational, Oct. 11). Setas tied for 28th, her second-best finish of the season, with a 231 (79-78-74). Burnham totaled a 229 (80-74-75) to finish tied for 23rd, marking her fifth top-30 showing of her first season.

The Spartans will return to action for the Big Ten Championships on April 24-26 (Friday-Sunday) at The Fort Golf Club in Indianapolis.