With a 72-hole score of 230, Illinois State junior Samantha Richdale edged out Kent States Gabby Wedding by one stroke to finish in first place. The Redbirds carded a three-round total of 981 (326,322,333), placing them in 10th place at the Mo Morial Invitational.
Richdale led the Redbirds in scoring. She carded a three-round total of 230 (75,73,82). Assistant coach Pina Gentile was very happy with Richdale performed, despite the windy conditions.
Samanthas overall performance was great, said Gentile. She struggle a little in the final round, but was able to hang on to the lead.
Katie Laehn tied for 38th place with a total of 245 (83,82,80). Ashlie Rose finished with a 251 (79,82,90) in a tie for 56th. Chelsea Bach shot a 257 (89,85,83) to finish in a tie for 67th and Kaila Fuller finish tied for 80th place with a three-round total of 274 (92,94,88).
Among the teams ahead of ISU are nationally ranked No. 25 Southern Methodist which won the tournament with a total of 942, finishing in a tie for second were No. 41 Texas A&M and No. 29 Kent State with a 943. In fourth was Texas Christian with a total of 945,No. #49 Northwestern was in fifth with a 964 and No. 31 Baylor in sixth with 965. In seventh was Wisconsin with a 974, North Carolina was in eighth with a 976 and finishing just four strokes ahead of ISU was Oregon State with a three-round total of 977.
Gentile feels that the Redbirds did not finish as well as they could but feels they can learn from this experience.
This was the first tournament out and not everyone played their best, but I did see a number of positives, added Genitle. Through the whole tournament each of the girls kept a positive attitude and gave it there all. Even though their scores were not as high as they could have been we are able to learn from this experience.
The Redbirds return to action as they travel to Northwest Ireland to play on Mar. 10-17.
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