Samantha Richdale finished second individually, leading the Illinois State womens golf team to an 8th place finish, Sunday at the Lady Moc Invitational in Lakeland, Florida.
Richdale shot an 80 today in the final round, for a tournament total of 224 (74-70-80), tying for second place. Natalia Navarro took home medalist honors for the tournament, turning in 74 in the final round for a 219 three-round total.
Illinois State head coach
Ray Kralis was impressed with the play of Richdale, a freshman.
Samantha hung in there and challenged for the title going into the last round, said Kralis. It was a good learning experience for her and she will hopefully maintain this early success throughout the spring.
Washington State won the tournament, finishing with a score of 906 (309-297-300), beating Florida Atlantic by 4 strokes, and coming up from their second place finish in the opening two rounds. Illinois State combined for a 950, carding a 314 in Sundays final 18 holes. They tied for 8th place with Missouri Valley conference school, Northern Iowa (320-312-318=950). The Birds maintained their undefeated conference record, as Bradley finished in 16th place, with a 984 total.
Ashlee Johnson was the next Redbird finisher, tying for 32nd place, with a 238 total (82-79-77). Ashlie Rose carded a 77 today, tying for the 52nd place spot, with a 244 three-round total. Katie Laehn ended with a 245 (86-84-75), tying for 55th place. Rounding out ISUs women golfers was Sarah Loomis, who tied for 95th place, shooting an 88 today (85-89-88=262).
Kralis felt there were a lot of positives in the teams first spring tournament.
We had some real good rounds under 80, which can make a difference, Kralis said. For our first trip it was a good start. Now we have some momentum going into next weeks tournament.
Illinois State returns to the course next week, as they travel to Winter Park, Florida on March 10-11 for the Peggy Kirk Bell Invitational.
