April 17, 2010
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State women's golf team is picked to win the 2010 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship, April 18-20, and could become only the second program in league history to win three-straight women's golf titles. The tournament will be held at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Newburgh, Ind. Play will begin with 18-holes Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and continue with 18-holes on both Monday and Tuesday.
ISU received six first-place votes and 95 total votes in the pre-championship poll of league coaches. Missouri State was picked to place second with two first-place votes and 88 total votes. The Bears defeated the `Birds by one stroke last weekend at the Indiana Invitational.
Last year the Redbirds captured the MVC title with a three-round team score of 921 (301-295-325), beating Drake by 12 strokes. Stacey Miller came in first place as an individual with a 225, while Marisa Milligan placed in third with a 227. In the NCAA Regional, the `Birds placed in 18th as a team with a 963 (311-313-339).
"This is such an exciting time for us as a team heading into this championship," said head coach Darby Sligh. "Although it is an honor to be picked to win this year among a strong Valley field, we have prepared for this tournament no differently than any other event this season. With that said, this squad is filled with the talent, experience and desire necessary to make a victory possible, and we are ready to get this championship underway."
Illinois State will take five student-athletes to the 2010 Valley Championship. The line-up will consist of seniors Miller, Milligan, Laura Harris, Britt Knutson and junior Terra Miller.
The team champion will advance to the NCAA Regional Championship, dates to be determined.
The par-72 Rolling Hills Country Club measures between 6,000-6,100 yards. The girls will be playing from a mix of red, white and blue tees.
2010 State Farm MVC Championship Poll
1. Illinois State (95)
2. Missouri State (88)
3. Drake (83)
4. Wichita State (61)
5. Indiana State (60)
6. Bradley (59)
7. Northern Iowa (42)
8. Southern Illinois (30)
9. Creighton (18)
10. Evansville (14)
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