March 30, 2008
Results
CARTERVILLE, Ill. -
Led by junior co-captain Tiffany Hockensmith, the Illinois State women's golf team is alone in fourth place following first round action at the Saluki Invitational, hosted by Southern Illinois at the par-70, 5,846 yard Crab Orchard Golf Club. Hockensmith, who finished tied for ninth at last year's Saluki Invitational, is currently in a first-place tie after firing a first round 72.
"I am very proud of the way Tiffany performed today," said head coach Darby Sligh. "We always talk about breakout performances with all of our players and it is nice to see the hard work starting to pay off."
As a team, the Redbirds recorded a first-round-team-total of 306. One other Redbird finished the first round in the top-10 as sophomore Laura Harris posted a 75 and is tied for ninth.
Sophomore Britt Knutson, who is competing individually for Illinois State, recorded a day-one-total of 78 and is currently tied for 24th.
Bradley and Southern Illinois are tied for first after each posting first-round-team-totals of 299. Murray State sits in third with a day-one-team-total of 301.
Coach Sligh was quick to point out the opportunity Monday's final presents to her young team.
"I cannot say we are happy to be in fourth after day one, but there is no reason we cannot make a move tomorrow," Sligh said. "We have had so many different players step up this year. I think we are very close to putting together a complete team round."
Tee times for Monday's final round are set for a 9 a.m. shotgun start, however, due to inclement weather, start times may be pushed back.
