LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Illinois State women's golf team wrapped up the weekend in a tie for 15th place at Kentucky's Bettie Lou Invitational at the par-72, 6,221-yard University Club of Kentucky golf course in Lexington, Kentucky. The Redbirds shot a 323 and a 318 in the final two rounds to finish with a three-round total of 951 (310-323-318). Notre Dame topped the 16-team field with an 872 (284-296-292), four strokes ahead of second-place Wisconsin.
Freshman Tatum King led the way for the Redbirds with a 233 (78-76-79). King carded a four-over-par 76 (35-41) in her second round. Her second round consisted of a 1-under-par 35 on the front nine. King followed up her second round with a 7-over-par 79 (41-38). Finishing one stroke behind King was senior Kiley Walsh with a three-round score of 234 (75-78-81). Walsh produced a solid front nine score of an even par 36 in her final round. She produced two birdies over her final two rounds.
Sophomore Morgan Savage completed her tournament with a three-round score of 243 (80-84-79). Savage shot a 7-over-par 79 (37-42) in her final round by bouncing back after a tough start. She played her last fourteen holes at 2-over-par. Junior Caitlin Sims shot a three-round total of 246 (78-89-79). Sims completed her tournament by rounding out the scoring for the Redbirds with a 7-over-par 79 (38-41). Senior Abby Luchtenburg finished the tournament at 253 (79-85-89).
"Today was certainly a setback for us," said head coach Darby Sligh. "We built a lot of momentum in the early days of this trip and it's heartbreaking to not show up and get the job done today. The scores were much higher today due to wind and we simply didn't take advantage and manage the big numbers. A bright spot was being led by a freshman through three rounds. It is exciting to see the work Tatum has put in pay off this week. We have a few days off and two days to prepare for the MVC Preview next week. There will be another chance for us to set the tone for the off-season."
The Redbirds will return to action on Oct. 16-17 when they compete in their final event of the fall season at the Missouri Valley Conference Preview in Newton, Kansas at Sand Creek Station Golf Course.
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