The Eastern men’s and women’s golf teams have had more to battle than just their opponents so far this season.

The Panthers have been forced to practice indoors or not at all before a number of their tournaments because of inclement weather.

Eastern’s men’s team had not played a single round since the start of winter before its first tournament at the North Texas State Invitational in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Feb. 17-18.

“It’s really hard when you haven’t played in a while,” said Eastern head coach Mike Moncel. “When we went to Mexico, we had to go out there and play through it on a very difficult course.”

But the Panthers still find ways to practice while the weather rages outside.

The team works on its short game in Lantz Fieldhouse, but senior Mike Imburgia said it’s not the same as being outside.

“Being inside helps a lot with your short game,” Imburgia said. “It helps to add confidence to your short game, but it is much better when you can get outside.”

The team still practices outdoors, even in poor weather. Imburgia said they had practiced in hail and rain this week.

Team showing improvement

Moncel said both teams had improved with each tournament they have played so far this season.

The women’s team has been led by junior Carrie Riordan.

“Riordan has been our best player so far this season,” Moncel said. “She has been the top finisher for us in every event so far this season.”

Riordan finished seventh (12-over-par) in the Butler Invitational at the Jacksonville Beach Golf Course in Jacksonville, Fla., March 10-11.

Riordan placed 18th at the Northern Illinois Invitational (18-over-par) at the Spring Lake Resort in Sebring, Fla.

Moncel said he could not point out a single player on the men’s team because a different player has had the lowest score for them in every tournament this season.

“We have had a different leader in every single tournament,” Moncel said. “I think we have a lot of guys that are capable of stepping up.”

Senior Matt Imburgia was the top finisher for the Panthers at the Butler Invitational shooting a five-over-par and finishing in a tie for 15th place out of 60 golfers.

Mike Imburgia was best finisher for Eastern at the North Texas State Invitational with a three-round score of 12-over-par.

Seniors’ goal to win tournament

Mike Imburgia has a simple goal for himself and his team this season.

Win a tournament.

“We have a solid golf team,” he said. “We just have to put it all together at the same time.

This is my final golf term, and four out of our seven players are seniors,” he said. “We just want to put it all together and win a tournament.”

Dan Cusack can be reached at 581-7944 or at dscusack@eiu.edu.