Junior Jill Rachford and freshman Albiona Zhubi fired a 74 and 79, respectively and led the way as the Illinois State womens golf team made a final day rally to finish second at the Missouri Valley Conference championship in Ashland, Neb.
After a second day rally to move from seventh to third, the Redbirds made one last charge on the third and final day to finish up the tournament in second place. The Birds were just five strokes out of the lead after day two and finished the final day with a score of 987, just one stroke behind conference champion Southwest Missouri States 986. The Redbirds were followed Bradley (988), Northern Iowa (995), Southern Illinois (1002), Wichita State (1005), host Creighton (1007), and Evansville (1051).
The Birds received some very strong individual performances also placing three in the top ten. Zhubis personal best 79 combined with her twin 82s (243) from the previous two days to garner her a fourth place finish tied with Bradleys Kelly Dillon. Rachford finished just one stroke behind Zhubi alone sixth place with her career best round of 74 and a combined score of 244. Senior Nicole Foy also finished in the top ten with sole possession of ninth place, shooting a final round 78 to give her a total of 247 for the tournament. Foys 78 was her fourth score in the 70s in her last six rounds. Junior Sara Prack improved her score for the third consecutive day by shooting an 84 to finish up with a 262 (93-85-84) in 29th place. Abbe Graceffa finished in 43rd with a 274 (84-103-87) and Normal native Becky Brtva placed 46th with a score of 287 (94-105-88).
Southwest Missouri State golfers finished first and second individually with Jessica Polus taking the title and Kelley Dolan placing second.
The Missouri Valley Conference Championship wraps up the 2000-2001 womens golf regular season schedule.
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