Sept. 8, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
Though NCAA Regionals are nine months away the Illinois State golf team is not wasting any preparation time. The Redbirds will face NCAA tournament-type competition in the opening tournament of the season.
Head coach Ray Kralis is constantly working to move the program forward, and it shows with his strong scheduling philosophy. The Redbirds will face 11 teams ranked in the top 100 nationally at the 2005 Badger Women's Golf Invitational in Madison, Wis.
Senior Ashlie Rose agrees with Kralis' scheduling.
"I'm really looking forward to the competition," said Rose. "We have a great fall schedule lined up and are going to be seeing some great teams at Wisconsin."
The 12-team field will participate in a 54-hole invitational to be played on the par 72, University Ridge Golf Course. Illinois State joins nationally ranked Missouri, TCU, Purdue, and Texas A&M. Other participating teams include Oklahoma, New Mexico State, Iowa State, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Arkansas Little Rock.
Kralis feels his team is ready for the competition.
"We need to get right into the fire this week," Kralis said. "From a head to head standpoint, 11 of the top 12 teams are ranked in the top 100 and almost half the field played in the NCAA Championship last year. We need to come in with all cylinders and this team is prepared."
The Redbirds will be sending an experienced team to Wisconsin, including four members of the 2005 Missouri Valley Conference Champions--Samantha Richdale, Ashlie Rose, Hilary Anderson, Chelsea Bach. Rounding out the Redbird lineup is freshman Kaitlin Troope.
Kralis is confident in his lineup.
"The time is now," said Kralis. "With four veterans back in the lineup it will be a more competitive tournament and we will keep the momentum going from the last couple of years with such a strong nucleus."
Rose expects her team to play well.
"I expect the team to play very well this weekend," said Rose. "I know that we can win this tournament because we are very prepared and have worked hard all summer. Four out of the five players from last year are currently in the lineup, and I expect freshman Kaitlin Troope to have a solid first tournament."
The tournament is set to begin Sunday, Sept. 11 with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., followed by a second round at 1:30 p.m. The tournament's third and final round will be played on Monday, Sept.12 at 8 a.m.
