COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Illinois State women's golf team currently sits in 10th place after the first 18 holes of Missouri's 10th annual Johnie Imes Invitational at the par-72, 6,204-yard Club at Old Hawthorne. The Redbirds shot a first-round total of 302 after strong play in windy conditions. Mizzou currently leads the field with an even par 288 followed, by North Texas and Middle Tennessee.
Senior Kiley Walsh led the Redbirds with an even par 72 (33-39) after the first round, which tied her collegiate low. Walsh's incredible round included four birdies on the front nine, with three of the birdies coming on par 4's.
"Walsh played extremely well today," said head coach Darby Sligh. "She started on fire with four birdies in her first seven holes."
Sophomore Morgan Savage produced a solid 4-over-par 76 (39-37). Savage had one birdie in her first round and recorded a great back-nine score of 37 by only carding one bogey.
Junior Caitlin Sims and freshman Tatum King both finished the first round with a 5-over-par 77. Sims bounced back after the front nine by firing a 2-under-par 34 on the back nine. Sims recorded back-to-back birdies on holes 16 and 17. King produced two consistent nine hole scores (39-38). King birdied two of her first three holes on the back nine.
Senior Abby Luchtenburg rounded out the scoring for Illinois State with an 8-over-par 80 (42-38). Luchtenburg finished her round positively by birding two of her last three holes.
On the individual leaderboard, there is a three-way tie for first place. Mizzou's Emma Allen and Marit Harryvan, and Missouri State's Verena Gimmy recorded an impressive round of 4-under-par 68.
"We did what we set out to do today in the wind," said Sligh. "We wanted to put ourselves in a position where moving day mattered and we did that. Savage broke through and was able to finish a great round which she has been working on. After a rough start, Sims finished her last nine holes at 2-under-par. King also played well today as she keeps gaining experience which we will lean on later in the year. Despite a few big numbers, Luchtenburg bounced back and also finished with two birdies. These are all positives that we are building off of going into tomorrow. Everyone is playing a specific role right now and is trying to concentrate on their job only."
With the forecast of bad weather looming on Wednesday, the tournament will conclude with the final 36 holes on Tuesday. The final rounds will begin with an 8 a.m. CT shotgun start.
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