FARMERS BRANCH, Texas – Junior Caitlin Sims shot a 153 (78-75) Monday to lead the Illinois State women's golf team over the first two rounds of Bradley's Spring Invitational at the par-73, 6,286-yard Brookhaven Country Club.
The Redbirds currently sit in fifth place in the 16-team field with a two-round score of 622 (319-303). Illinois State was in a tie for 11th place after the first 18 holes. Cincinnati (306-305) and Houston Baptist (310-301) share a lead at the event.
Sims carded a 5-over-par 78 (41-37) in the first round. She finished the round with three birdies. The junior fired a 2-over-par 75 in the second round and produced four birdies, with two coming on each side. Sims currently sits in a tie for eighth place.
Two Redbirds shot a two-round total of 156 and hold a tie for 23rd place. Senior Kiley Walsh finished with two birdies on the back nine of the first round, as she shot a 6-over-par 79 (38-41). Over the second 18 holes, Walsh fired a solid 4-over-par 77 (35-42). The senior's 1-under-par front nine consisted of two birdies. Sophomore Paige Seiser finished with one birdie in the first round, as she shot an 81 (39-42). Seiser greatly improved on her first round by shooting a 2-over-par 75 (38-37).
Senior Abby Luchtenburg carded an 85 (44-41) in the first round, producing two birdies on back nine. The senior improved her first round score by nine strokes after shooting a 3-over-par 76 (35-40). Luchtenburg's second round consisted of two birdies, with one coming on each side. Sophomore Morgan Savage shot a two-round total of 166 (81-85). Savage produced two birdies over her two rounds.
Freshman Tatum King competed as an individual for the Redbirds. King carded an 80 (43-37) in her first round. King carded one birdie on her impressive even par back nine. The freshman followed the first round by shooting an 82 (40-42) in the second round. King ended the first day with a two round total of 162 (80-82).
"Thrilled doesn't even begin to describe my feelings as a coach right now," said head coach Darby Sligh. "We have experienced many growing pains these last few months, and this squad has continued to work hard and show patience. We finally put together the four scores we needed this afternoon after a rough start this morning. Everyone came through down the stretch and contributed on some level and that's what we have been working towards since September. Now, we have to regroup and figure out a way to come out focused and fearless tomorrow to gain some momentum in our last few events."
The Redbirds conclude the tournament Tuesday with the third and final round, which starts with a shotgun start beginning at 9 a.m.
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