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CHAMPAIGN, Illinois - As central Illinois was caught in the middle of a blizzard, the Illinois women's golf team stormed their way to the team's seventh-straight Illinois Challenge over in-state rival Illinois State on Sunday, Feb. 1. The Orange and Blue claimed the title with an 8-4 decision.M/p>

"This was a positive experience for the team as a whole, as everyone was able to focus on different areas," shared head coach Renee Slone.

The Redbirds and Illini opened the day with four ball matches. Stephanie Miller and Michelle Mayer teamed up for a 2-up victory after winning holes 16-18. Miller birdied 17 and 18. Dana Gattone and Pimploy Thirati finished all square on 18 with Gattone nailing a putt for the win on the 18th hole. Erin Ahern and Grace Park were 3-up but were brought in to start the afternoon matches. Emily Joers and Chayanid Prapassarangkul locked down a 3&2 win for the Illini.

In the individual matches, the Illini claimed four of five points. Joers was the first back in after claiming an 8&7 decision. Miller finished next with a 5&4 result with Park close behind with a 4&3 advantage. Pailin Ruttanasupagid won 2&1 for the Illini's eighth point. Prapassarangkul's match was suspended on the 18th hole while she was trailing resulting in a 1-down loss.

"Emily played very solid throughout the day and all parts of her game were strong." Slone continued, "Jan was very solid as well, she was great off of the tee."

Slone's team has claimed all seven Illinois Challenge titles. The event dates back to the 2008-09 season.

Illinois will have three weeks prior to opening the season at the Westbrook Spring Invitational hosted by the University of Wisconsin in Peoria, Arizona. The event is slated for February 22-23.