Sept. 23, 2006
NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Senior Hilary Anderson led the way for the Illinois State women's golf team with a two-round total of 148 (72, 76) and sits in second-place individually as the Redbirds finish day one in second-place at the Lady Irish Invitational, Saturday at Warren Golf Course.
The Redbirds finished the day with a two-round total of 613 (306, 307) and sit just one shot back from the lead.
"I thought we did an outstanding job today," said assistant coach Pina Gentile. "Even if they had trouble on a hole they were able to stay positive and never give up."
With a two-round total of 153 sophomore Tiffany Hockensmith (74, 79) and senior Olivia Campos (79, 74) both finished the day tied for 12th individually. Freshman Britt Knutson shot a two-round total of 159 (81, 78) and tied for 32nd, while freshman Stacey Miller finished with a two-round total of 166 (86, 80) and tied for 57th individually.
Gentile was pleased with the team's performance on the course.
"It is a tough golf course," Gentile said. "If you put your ball at the wrong spot on the green you could be looking at a three-putt."
Host Notre Dame finished the first day in the lead with a two-round total of 612 (306, 306). Finishing three shots behind Illinois State was Cincinnati with a two-round total of 616 (310, 306). Western Michigan finished with a two-round total of 618 (310, 308) in fourth-place. Eastern Michigan shot a two-round total of 621 (307, 314) and sits in fifth. Toledo finished one shot behind in sixth, followed by Iowa (seventh). Wyoming (eighth), Wichita State (ninth) and Xavier (10th). Georgetown and Illinois tied for 11th and sit 26 shots back from the lead, followed by Columbia (13th) and IPFW (14th).
Just one shot out of first-place Gentile hopes the team can capitalize in the areas they where they lost shots.
"Regardless of what happens tomorrow the team has played great golf," Gentile said. "We just need to remain focused and positive."
The final round of the Lady Irish Invitational will start Sunday morning with a shotgun start at 9 a.m., where the teams will play the final 18 holes.
