Oct. 24, 1999

DELAND, Fla. - Two Illini freshmen posted sub-80 rounds in Sunday's first round of the Hatter Fall Invitational in DeLand, Fla. and they are both among the top 15 individuals entering Monday's final round. The Illini leader this fall, Laurin Kanda (Fr., Chico, Calif.), posted a 3-over par 75 and is in third place, only one stroke behind the two leaders -- Hayley Hunt, Bethune-Cookman and Tracy Tidwell, Troy State -- who are tied for first with a 74. Renata Young (Fr., Rogers, Ark.) shot 79 on Sunday and is one of five golfers tied for 12th place after 18 holes of play.

" We are really pleased with our first round. Everyone practiced well after today's round and we feel good entering the final round," Head Coach Paula Smith said. "Laurin played extremely steady golf today. She's not like a freshman, she plays like a veteran and she will focus on playing the course in the final round and not worry about the standings.

"Our freshman are continuing the trend of leading the team this fall. It's very encouraging to see our new players making this kind of impact."

Kanda entered this tournament with a 78.1 stroke average in eight rounds, first on the Illini team. Young is second with an 82.8 average in eight rounds. Kanda enters Monday's final round knocking on the door of her first collegiate championship. She tied for second two weeks ago at the Michigan Invitational after shooting rounds of 77-78.

The Illinois team is in eighth place of 14 teams with a 328 on Sunday. Baylor leads the tournament with a team score of 314.

Another Illini freshman, competing in her first tournament this year, posted the team's third best score behind Kanda and Young. Mari Walters (Fr., Lake Oswego, Ore.) shot 82 in Sunday's first round. After making the turn with a 43, she shaved four strokes off her back nine and turned in a 39 giving her an 82 for the day.

Christine Scott (Sr., Lockport. Ill.) shot a 92 on Sunday to close out the team scoring. Lorette Lyttle (Sr., West Palm Beach, Fla.) shot 100, which was not counted in the team score.

Final round action at the DeLand Country Club begins Monday morning.

TEAMS

 1. Baylor                  314 
 2. Troy State              315 
 3. Rollins College         319 
 4. Jacksonville State      321 
 5. Florida International   322 
 6. Michigan                324 
 7. Bethune-Cookman         326 
 8. Illinois                328 
    Florida Southern        328 
10. Stetson                 342 
11. Lynn Univ.              346 
12. Daytona Beach CC        354 
14. Jacksonville Univ.      377 

ILLINOIS INDIVIDUALS

3rd   Laurin Kanda      75 
T12th Renata Young      79 
T25th Mari Walters      82 
T69th Christine Scott   92 
74th  Lorette Lyttle   100