Samantha Richdale improved on her day one 35th-place performance to lead the Illinois State womens golf team and finish in a tie for 23rd at the Indiana Invitational in Bloomington, Ind.
Under what head coach
Ray Kralis termed brutal weather conditions, Richdale made her jump to 23rd by firing a 77 in the third round to card a final score of 240 (82-81-77). Ashlee Johnson (81-81-89=251) was the next highest Redbird finisher, carding an 89 in the final round to drop from 32nd in day one to her final placement in a tie for 48th.
Finishing in a tie for 52nd was Ashlie Rose, carding a final score of 252 (85-85-82), Kaila Fuller followed in a tie for 59th, with a final of 257 (85-89-83). Rounding out the competing five was Katie Laehn, finishing in 61st (87-90-83=260), followed by Albiona Zhubi with a final score of 263 (83-89-91), good enough for 65th place.
As a team the Lady Birds carded a three-round score of 992 (331-336-325) to finish in 11th place.
Head coach
Ray Kralis stressed that weather conditions may have played a part in the tournaments scoring, but remained positive about his Redbirds performance.
It never got out of the 30s while we were competing, said Kralis. It was windy and we actually got snow flurries, but obviously everyone played under the same conditions, so thats no excuse. I think the weather actually magnified the talent on the course, the cream of the crop really rose to the forefront.
We can take this as a valuable learning experience, Kralis continued. We can play with teams in our own conference, but when we get out there with some of the better programs we realize that we still have work to do. We are a young team with a lot of potential and this will just fuel our determination to get better.
Taking medalist honors for the tournament was Kim Benedict of Michigan, carding a three-round, even par score of 222 (72-74-76).
Purdue University claimed the top team title after turning in a three-round score of 916 (307-304-305), University of Missouri turned in a 928 (309-305-314) to finish in second, and Kent State rounded out the top three with a 934 (307-314-313) three-round performance.
The Redbirds return to the course when they compete in the Valley Tournament April 20-22 at the Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
