April 19, 2009
Final Stats
PANORA, Iowa -
The Illinois State women's golf team extended its lead to 12 strokes Sunday and completed its second consecutive run to the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship, on the par-72 Lake Panorama National Resort. The Redbirds posted a final team score of 921 (301-295-325) for the team's 10th conference title.
Junior Stacey Miller led the Redbirds with a nine-over-par three-round score of 225 (74-71-80) and won the individual title. Miller is the first Redbird to win medalist honors at the championship since 2006. Junior Marisa Milligan finished the tournament in third place with a 54-hole score of 227 (73-75-79).
ISU head coach Darby Sligh, who was named the MVC Coach of the Year for the second-straight year, was proud of her team's accomplishments.
"This is a great day for the Redbirds," said Sligh. "We stuck to our game plan through very difficult and windy conditions, and it paid off for us. I am ecstatic for Stacey. She pulled through for us in the end, as did Marisa with birdies down the stretch."
Senior Tiffany Hockensmith (81-74-82) and junior Laura Harris (78-75-84) finished the tournament in tie for 20th place with a final score of 237, while senior Marci Hill finished the 54-hole tournament in 33rd with a 244 (76-82-86). Miller, Milligan and Harris earned all-conference team honors.
"This win was a total team effort," said Sligh. "I am so proud of everyone and the way they handled themselves under pressure."
Drake finished the tournament in second place with a team score of 933 (308-296-329) and Wichita State took third place with a team score of 935 (304-305-326).
The win automatically qualifies Illinois State for an NCAA Regional Tournament in early May.
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