WOLCOTT, Colo. – The Illinois State women's golf team finished the competitive Golfweek Challenge Wednesday with a team score of 939 (307-321-311), tying for 14th place overall at the Red Sky Golf Club.
Head coach Darby Sligh was disappointed at the end of the tournament, but at the same time was proud to see the success of the newer team members.
"We had an awful finish" Sligh said. "We played hard in the middle of the round and simply blew up on the last five holes. Abby (Luchtenburg) and Maggie (Ambrose) were our glue, and it's exciting to have a young nucleus bounce back from Tuesday's round. Although Brianna (Cooper) struggled in the final round, she played very well over the course of the tournament, and we will continue to look to her to lead us next week at Mizzou. We still have a lot of work to do in our mental game to hold on at the end."
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Freshman Abby Luchtenburg led the Redbirds in the final round of play using two birdies to shoot a 3-over-par 75, carding a three-round score of 237 (77-85-75). Sophomore Maggie Ambrose wasn't far behind, shooting three birdies in the final round to give her a three-round score of 239 (78-85-76). Seniors Brianna Cooper and Hayley Guyton finished the third round with a final score of 80, carding a three-round score of 225 (71-74-80) and 239 (81-78-80), respectively. Senior Lauren English rounded out the ISU line up carding a 54-hole score of 250 (82-84-84).
Pepperdine was able to move back up to first place, leading the tournament with a final score of 862. Tennessee followed closely behind and was one stroke behind with a final score of 863. Denver finished by taking third place with a total score of 869. Illinois State tied with Georgetown and finished ahead of Jacksonville State (965) in the tournament.
ISU will be back on the course Monday, competing in Columbia, Missouri, at the Johnie Imes Invitational.
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