SIMPSONVILLE, Ky. – Senior Brianna Cooper led the Illinois State women's golf team at the Cardinal Cup, as the Redbirds moved up two spots during the final round of play Tuesday, finishing tied for 11th place with a team score of 936 (316-309-311). Cooper was the only Redbird to finish in the top-20, as she carded a 54-hole score of 226 (78-73-75) and tied for 14th place on the individual leaderboard.
"We climbed a few spots on the leaderboard, but we can't be satisfied with the outcome," head coach Darby Sligh said. "We were able to bounce back and make a few birdies on the final nine, but we squandered so many shots between birdies. Next week, we will see the strongest field of the year and need to be on point with focus and execution."
Freshman Abby Luchtenburg tied for 29th place at the end of the tournament, after she fired a score of 230 (75-77-78). Senior Hayley Guyton shot a two-day score of 236 (80-78-78), while senior Lauren English was nine strokes behind with a 245 (83-82-80). The duo finished tied for 53rd and 81st place, respectively. Rounding out the Redbird lineup was freshman Kiley Walsh, who ended the tournament with a total score of 249 (86-81-82).
Sophomore Maggie Ambrose competed as an individual during the tournament, and she finished with a three-round score of 237 (76-80-81), tying for 59th place.
ISU ended the tournament tied with in-state rival Northern Illinois. Louisville's 'A' team took first place with a team score of 888 (303-290-295), with three individuals in the top-five on the individual leaderboard. Memphis was second with a team score of 894 (301-293-300), while Kennesaw State was close behind in third with a three-round score of 897 (298-302-297).
Illinois State returns to action in just under a week at the competitive Golfweek Challenge in Wolcott, Colorado. The three-day event begins Sept. 22.
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