Feb. 22, 2009
Stats
KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. -
Juniors Marisa Milligan and Laura Harris led the Illinois State women's golf team to a 32-over-par first-round team score of 320 Sunday. The Redbirds competed on the par-72 Cougar Point Golf Course in the 43-team Kiawah Island Classic. Illinois State is currently sitting in tie for 24th place with Texas State after completing the first day of the tournament.
"This was a true test of heart today," said head coach Darby Sligh. "The wind was horrendous, and we really struggled out of the gate. We played much better on the second nine. We have momentum to build off of for tomorrow."
Milligan and Harris fired a 7-over-par 79 in the first 18 holes of the tournament. The duo is currently in a 20-way tie for 64th place. Seniors Marci Hill and Tiffany Hockensmith each carded a first-round score of 81, which put the pair in a 16-way tie for 103rd place. Rounding out the top-five for the Redbirds was junior Stacey Miller, who shot an 18-hole first-round score of 87.
After the first round of competition, the Redbirds bested Valley rivals Missouri State (334), Southern Illinois (341) and Bradley (344). Miami and East Tennessee State are currently tied for first place with a score of 300, while Oral Roberts rounds out the top-three teams with a 303.
Stephanie Connelly from Central Florida is currently leading the field with a two-under-par 70. Mary Kate Bird (Nebraska), Sofia Hagsund (UNC-Wilmington) and Begona Sarabia (Miami) are currently in a three-way tie for 2nd place with an even-par 72.
The `Birds will compete in the second day of play at the Oak Point Golf Course Monday. ISU will tee off at 9:36 a.m. CST.
