April 10, 2007
Results
CARMEL, Ind. -
Sophomore Tiffany Hockensmith fired a 78 and led the Illinois State women's golf lineup in the final round of the Indiana University Invitational at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Ind. Tuesday.
The Redbirds compiled a two-round score of 647 (322, 325) and finished 17th in the field.
Although the team finished last in the field assistant coach Pina Gentile feels the team has a lot to gain from the event.
"We have a tournament coming up that we are preparing for," said Gentile. "Playing this golf course and competing in this field is a great way to prepare for what is next to come.
"So even though we didn't finish as well as we would have liked, we are still taking away many positives. We know the things we need to work on in order to improve and be ready to go into our conference championship next week."
Freshman Stacey Miller tallied a two-round score of 156 (74, 82) and finished in a tie for 34th. Hockensmith shot a total of 159 (81, 78) and tied for 53rd. Freshman Britt Knutson tallied 161 (82, 79) and tied for 60th. Freshman Laura Harris fired a 172 (86, 86) and tied for 87th, while senior Hilary Anderson shot a 173 (85, 88) and tied for 89th individually.
Gentile was pleased with the team's effort on the course.
"We obviously didn't score as well as we are capable of scoring," said Gentile. "However, the score does not show how well we were playing at different times throughout the day."
Nationally ranked (No. 43) Michigan clinched first-place with after they tallied a two-round score of 603 (308, 295). First-round leader Michigan State finished in second with a total of 606 (299, 307). Illinois finished three shots back (609) for third, while Oregon placed fourth (610). Notre Dame maintained the fifth spot and tallied 612.
"As we get ready for next week it is important to remember one tournament and one round does not dictate your career," said Gentile. "We will look to build off the positive things and focus on what individuals need to work on to be physically and mentally ready to go into the Valley championship."
The Redbirds will be back in action next week at the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship April 15-17 at WeaverRidge Golf Course in Peoria, Ill.
