The Illinois State womens golf team won the 42nd annual Redbird Classic, Tuesday afternoon at the Illinois State golf course, with a record-breaking score of 894, paced by the score of freshman, Samantha Richdale, who took home first place hardware with a three-round total of 218.
The Redbirds cruised through their tournament, winning by a commanding 37 strokes. With a third-round score of 297, Illinois State bettered the team record they set on Monday with a second-round 298. Southern Illinois came in second with a score of 931, Bradley and Northern Iowa tied for the third-place spot with 940.
ISUs coach
Ray Kralis was proud of the way his team performed.
I really cant find any flaws, said Kralis. I think this is a pretty good indication of what the team is capable of doing. They arent content with simply beating the Valley competition and they showed that today. I asked the girls to take responsibility for their play, whether its a struggle or if they are playing well. They did that today and the results show that. I am very proud of them.
Richdale shot a 74 in the final round to secure her first-place finish in her first-ever collegiate tournament. She improved upon her three-stroke lead from yesterday, winning by six strokes, leading the Birds to their success. Richdale was pleased with her performance and her debut as a Redbird.
I played pretty well today, but I didnt putt as well as I did yesterday, said Richdale. It was a big deal to win and it felt really good. But, it was special that the team also took home first-place honors.
Richdales teammates Ashlee Johnson, Albiona Zhubi, Ashlie Rose and Katie Laehn also finished within the top 15. Johnson, followed Richdale with a second-place finish, turning in a score of 224. It was the sophomores top finish of her young career with ISU. Zhubi (5th), Rose (9th) and Laehn (12th) rounded out Illinois States top-five individuals.
The Redbirds women golf team hopes to continue their early success as they travel to Lexington, Ky., on Thursday for the Lady Kat Invitational.
