LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Illinois women's golf team finds itself in fifth place after the first round of play at the Bettie Lou Evans Invite. The Orange and Blue carded a team score of 295 (+7) on the first day of competition at the University Club of Kentucky Big Blue Golf Course (Par 72, 6,200) in Lexington, Kentucky.
Senior Dana Gattone and junior Bing Singhsumalee pace the Illini, as both golfers finished with a round one total of 72 (E) and sit tied for 12th overall. Senior Grace Park shot a 74 (+2) and is tied for 23rd, while freshman Ali Morallos is tied for 46th with a reading of 77 (+5). Senior Chayanid Prapassarangkul sits tied for 54th after finishing the day with a round one total of 78 (+6).
Competing as an individual, sophomore Tristyn Nowlin is tied for seventh after a 71 (-1) showing. The Richmond, Kentucky, native believes that her familiarity with the course helped her find success on day one.
"I think the key to my success today was some of the past experience that I have with this course," Nowlin said. "I actually grew up playing this course and I feel very comfortable with how I am playing and that helped a lot with my confidence level out there."
The Illini will be back on the course for the second and third round of play tomorrow with tee times beginning at 8 a.m. CT.
"I think we just need to focus on keeping the energy high and making smart decisions," Nowlin said. "This course demands our full attention on some of the shots, so if we just keep our focus and energy level consistent, everything will fall into place."
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