After a challenging two days on the course, the Illinois State womens golf team concluded the Marilynn Smith Sunflower Invitational in seventh place. The Redbirds finished with a three round total of 973 (328,324,321).
Junior Ashlie Rose tied for 14th with a three round total of 240 (81,80,79). Following Rose in 18th is Katie Laehn who carded a 242 (84,81,77), Samantha Richdale tied for 19th with a 243 (81,80,82) and Hilary Anderson tied for 33rd with a 252 (83,86,83). Kaila Fuller rounded out the line up for the Redbirds finishing in 46th with a 259 (83,83,93).
Head Coach
Ray Kralis feels the Redbirds just did not put up the scores they needed.
We did not put up the scores we needed, so it was hard to compete with the leaders, said Kralis. We had several opportunities to move up going into the final round, weather conditions werent the best and didnt help much, but we just not able to step it up.
Kansas took home the championship with a three round total of 946 (319,311,316). Finishing in second was Texas-El Paso with a 961 (331,314,316), Iowa took third with 963 (320,327,316) and Iowa State finished fourth with 966 (322,316,328). Fifth went to Kansas State with a 967 (321,323,323), Denver finished sixth with a 971 (326,320,325) and ISU in seventh.
Even though the Redbirds did not finish as strong as the would have liked to , Kralis feels they can use the experience to push them for next weekends tournament.
We cant dwell on this tournament. We have to learn from it, said Kralis. We will work on our weaknesses and come back even stronger.
The Redbirds return to action Sunday, Oct. 17 in Fayetteville, Ark., to compete at the Lady Razorback Invitational.
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