March 9, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
Coming out of a fourth place finish at the Peggy Kirk Bell Invitational, the Illinois State women's golf team is packing their bags and heading out west to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas for the UNLV Spring Invitational.
Head coach Ray Kralis sees this three day, 54-hole tournament as another step in preparation for the Missouri Valley Conference Championships.
"As we look at the previous years, we haven't traditionally been the fastest out of the starting box," said Kralis. "So it is nice to have a few extra events before we head into the Valley Tournament in April."
Heading to Las Vegas for the Redbirds, is the same lineup featured at the Peggy Kirk Bell Invitational, which includes three veteran players. Recently named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, for the 16th time in her career, Samantha Richdale, 2005 All-Missouri Valley Conference selection Ashlie Rose, and junior Hilary Anderson. Junior Olivia Campos and freshman Marci Hill round out the lineup for the `Birds.
Kralis has high expectations of his team as they head into the tournament.
"We expect a lot out of our team as a whole," said Kralis. "Sam has some wins under her belt and she'll want to continue that. I'm really looking for Ashlie Rose to make some strides this weekend, and Hilary is capable of giving a consistent three rounds. Olivia and Marci continue to get better and better."
Illinois State, nationally ranked No. 64, will be facing an 18-team field with 16 teams in the top 100. The five teams in the top 50 include host UNLV is ranked No. 9, Long Beach State ranked No. 20, New Mexico ranked No. 23, Brigham Young ranked No. 34 and San Jose State ranked No. 47.
Kralis is eager to face the competition and feels it is one of the best all year.
"This tournament has a good field that our veterans will get fired up for," said Kralis. "Olivia and Marci will gain good experience because this is the best Division I competition we've faced at one time."
The first 18 holes will begin at 7:30 a.m. Pacific time, on Monday, March 13 at the Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nev.
