April 16, 2000

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The annual Illini Spring Classic came to a close today at the Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana. Southwest Missouri State won the tournament after shooting a two-round total of 628 on the 5,842-yard, 72-par course. The Illini finished fourth in their home tournament for the second consecutive year. Illinois dropped 13 strokes today, but the team dropped one place in the standings after the final round, finishing just one stroke behind the third-place Bradley Braves. Southern Illinois came from behind, shooting a final round 306, to take second place.

Southwest Missouri State's Jessica Polus was the overall winner. She shot 74s in both rounds to finish the tournament with a 4-over par 148. Illinois freshman Laurin Kanda tied her own course record by shooting a 73 today. She tied for third place with a total of 153. Freshman Renata Young also finished in the top 10. She tied for sixth with a 157. The other two Illinois freshmen competing in the tournament tied for 13th. Stephanie Cheney and Mari Walters, who was competing as an individual, both shot two-day totals of 162. Sophomore Kate Peters also competed as an individual. She shot a 174 to tie for 39th.

Three Illinois seniors were playing in the last Illini Spring Classic of their careers. Nell Macke, competing individually, placed 21st with a 165. Lorette Lyttle shot a 169 to tie for 27th. Christine Scott dropped 13 strokes in the final round to finish with 179 and a share of 51st place.

The Illini take next weekend off before traveling to the Big Ten Championships in Madison, Wis. The conference tournament will be held April 28-30.