RIO VERDE, Ariz. – The Illinois State women's golf team completed the opening round Friday of Western Michigan's Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational at the par-72, 6,128-yard Quail Run Golf Course. The Redbirds sit in 17th place with a 331. The invitational is led by Little Rock, who produced a 305, one stroke ahead of second-place Akron.
"There's no way to sugar coat a round like today," said head coach Darby Sligh. "We played terribly from start to finish. Our short game was not sharp and we were constantly keeping ourselves out of position from the tee and approach shots. We have so much work left ahead of us. Knowing this squad and what they are capable of, it is hard not to remain optimistic. Tomorrow will be an important round for our games and self-esteem."
Senior Abby Luchtenburg led the Redbirds over the first 18 holes with a score of 8-over-par 80 (40-40). The senior collected a birdie on the par-4, 375-yard hole 7. Two strokes behind Luchtenburg was junior Caitlin Sims, who cared an 82 (40-42).
Sophomore Morgan Savage tallied an 83 (41-42) through the first 18 holes of the tournament. Rounding out the scoring for ISU was sophomore Paige Seiser, who shot an 86 (43-43). Senior Kiley Walsh tallied a 90 (45-45), which resulted in her score not counting towards the team's total.
Illinois State will play the second round of the Rio Verde Invitational Saturday. Live scoring will be available through Golstat.com
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