March 14, 2008
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Illinois battled the elements on Friday, moving into third place after a round of 306 at the par-70 5,907 yard Mark Bostick Golf Course. The Illini (309-306-615) trail tournament-leader Michigan (309-302-611) by only four strokes through 36-holes. Rain showers delayed play throughout day two of the Gainesville Shootout III, but all rounds were completed as scheduled.
Freshman Raquel Hopton added her name to the Illinois record book with a career-low even-par round (70). Hopton tied former Illini Renata Young and Renee Slone for the eighth-lowest round in school history. Through 36-holes, Hopton (75-70-145) sits alone in second place; only five shots back of tournament-leader Alex Rankin (72-68-140) of Wofford College.
"Raquel played very well today," head coach Renee Slone said. "Conditions were a little different from yesterday. We played in a steady drizzle throughout the day, so her 70 was very solid.
"Her attitude has really improved from last fall. Her goal has been to maintain a positive attitude throughout the entire round and she has done a great job at that."
Senior Seul Ki Park (77-78-155) remained tied for 20th after a round of 78 on Friday. Senior Kristine Cook (78-78-156) tallied a second straight round of 78, tying her for 26th. Senior Kristin Kallergis (85-80-165) rounded out the scoring for the Orange and Blue with a round of 80, tying her for 53rd. Senior Stephanie Mory's round of 82 did not count toward the team total and junior Nancy Featherstone sat out again due to illness.
"We are still trying to get the kinks out from the off season, so we left quite a few shots out there," Slone said. "I wouldn't say that we have played up to our potential yet. Tomorrow is a great opportunity for the team to make a move."
The tournament will wrap up on Saturday, March 15 with a final round beginning at 8:45 a.m. For continued coverage of the Illinois women's golf team at the Gainesville Shootout III, visit fightingillini.com for a full recap following tomorrow's round.
DAY TWO TEAM LEADERBOARD
1. Michigan 309-302 - 611
2. Texas State 301-313 - 614
3. ILLINOIS 309-306 - 615
4. Illinois State 308-309 - 617
5. Wofford College 316-306 - 622
6. Texas A&M-CC 308-315 - 623
7. Louisiana-Monroe 313-314 - 627
8. Iowa 321-310 - 631
9. West Florida 311-322 - 633
T10. Nevada 314-323 - 637
T10. Southern Mississippi 322-315 - 637
12. Appalachian State 320-323 - 643
T13. Troy 326-318 - 644
T13. Texas Pan-American 315-329 - 644
15. Albany 350-342 - 692
DAY TWO ILLINOIS RESULTS
2. Raquel Hopton 75-70 - 145 (+5)
T20. Seul Ki Park 77-78 - 155 (+15)
T26. Kristine Cook 78-78 - 156 (+16)
T46. Stephanie Mory 79-82 - 161 (+21)
T53. Kristin Kallergis 85-80 - 165 (+25)
WD Nancy Featherstone
