CHICAGO – The Illinois State women's golf team wrapped up day one of the Missouri Valley Conference Championship Sunday at the par-72 Harborside International Golf Center in eighth place. Kiley Walsh led the way for the Redbirds, as she sits in a three-way tie for third place after firing a 1-over-par 73. The MVC Championship continues Monday at 8:30 a.m. with 18 holes and concludes Tuesday with the third and final round of 18 holes.
"Obviously we would be crushed if this was a one-day event, but it's not, so we are focused on coming back and moving up the leaderboard tomorrow," head coach Darby Sligh said. "Kiley played so tough today with some unbelievable shots on the back nine. Renee (Solberg) broke through, and it's been a long time coming, so I couldn't be more proud of her. We are still searching for our fourth score, but it was promising having three hold it together. Moving day should be exciting."
Renee Solberg shot a 4-over-par 76, which was good enough for a five-way tie for 14th place. Close behind Solberg is Abby Luchtenburg, who sits in a seven-way tie for 21st after shooting a 6-over-par 78. Courtnee Cossell shot an 89 to conclude the team scoring for ISU, while Caitlin Sims tallied a 91, which did not count towards the team's total score.
Two-time defending champion Wichita State (297) leads the field, with Bradley (299) trailing two-strokes behind in second and Indiana State (306) edging Loyola (307) for the three spot. Topping the individual leaderboard is Southern Illinois' Brooke Cusumano with a 1-under-par 71. Bradley's Danielle Lemek is in second with and even-par 72, and Indiana State's Sophie Bentti and Bradley's Ally Scaccia join Walsh in the three-way tie for third. ?
The winner of the MVC Championship will advance to one of four NCAA Regionals, which will be held May 5-7.
Live Scoring: Official stats and live scoring available at Golfstat.com
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