April 19, 2005
Springfield, Mo. -
The Illinois State women's golf team posted a 297 in the final round, the lowest of the tournament, carding a three-round total of 909 (300,312,297) to take home the 2005 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship. The Redbirds low round today helped lead them to an 18-stroke victory over Southern Illinois. The team title by the Redbirds gives Illinois State its second straight and seventh overall.
Head coach Ray Kralis is both thrilled and relieved that the Redbirds finished the tournament with such a commanding lead.
"I am both thrilled and relieved that we won this tournament. The girls did a great job in controlling their minds and emotions throughout the week," Kralis said. "It feels good to have another conference title under our belt. We had a great start today, making it hard for SIU to catch up and allowing some of the tension to be released on the last few holes."
Once again, five of the six Redbird golfers placed in the top 15 individually. Samantha Richdale lead the way for the Redbirds with a third place finish for a three-round total of 223 (75,76,72). Just two strokes behind Richdale was teammate Ashlie Rose in fourth, with a total of 225 (77,77,71). Rose fired a 71 in her final round, which is her lowest of the season.
Following Rose by just five strokes was Hilary Anderson who carded a 230 (72,82,76), leaving her in a tie for sixth place. Katie Laehn finished the tournament in ninth place with a total of 232 (75,79,78), Chelsea Bach finished tied for 13th with a total of 238 (79,80,79), and to round out the Redbird line-up was Sarah Loomis who finished in tied for 41st with a three-round total of 260 (82,84,94).
Kralis is pleased with how the team finished and feels that his student-athletes proved they should be competitive in the NCAA Regional tournament.
"Today we had some great numbers. Ashlie and Samantha put up low rounds today with 71 and 72. They really stepped it up for the team," Kralis added. " As a team we rise up when we need to and get stronger as is needed, we proved that we should be moving on the regional championship."
With the outstanding performance of the Redbirds, Kralis was named Valley Coach of the Year for the second time. He feels that he received this honor because of the team and their talent. Also, Richdale, Rose, Laehn and Anderson earned all-conference honors.
With the victory the Redbirds will represent the conference in the NCAA Regionals, May 5-7, at a site to be announced Monday April 25th.
