SIMPSONVILLE, Ky. – The No. 20 Fighting Illini women's golf team find themselves atop of the leaderboard with a 4-over par score at the Cardinal Cup. The second round was suspended at 6:15 p.m. CT/7:15 p.m. ET due to darkness. Play will resume tomorrow with a shotgun start at 10:15 a.m. CT/11:15 a.m. ET.

"The team embraced the challenging weather conditions," said head coach Renee Slone. "We had 30-35 mph winds today, which makes for challenging golf. Everyone maintained a positive attitude, persevered, and showed some resiliency today."

Led by returners Tristyn Nowlin and Bing Singhsumalee, along with newcomer Kornkamol Sukaree, the Illini posted a first-round tally of 285 (-3) and are currently 7-over par in the second round of play. Nowlin, Sukaree, and Singhsumalee sit among the top 10 individuals with scores at 3-under par, 1-over par, and 3-over par, respectively.

"As a team we did a really good job of staying patient through the tough conditions today," said Nowlin. "We really embraced the opportunity to play. I have been working on all aspects of my golf game recently and it feels really good to see it in the results."

Currently leading the field individually, junior Nowlin played consistently on Saturday as she posted seven birdies and a first round score of 71 (-1). The Richmond, Ky. native is two-under par through 17 holes in today's second round.

"Tristyn (Nowlin) was under the weather today, which can help a player simplify things," noted Slone. "She kept the process as simple as possible by focusing on one shot at a time."

"Going into tomorrow, I think it is important that I keep the same mindset and game plan," noted Nowlin. "If I can keep it simple, everything else will fall into place."

Freshman Sukaree shot an even par to start the day, carding her first career eagle in the first round. Sukaree is at 1-over par through 17 holes of the second round. Senior Singhsumalee is tied for sixth with a total score 3-over par. She started the day posting four birdies and recording a 71 (-1) in the first round. She is at 4-over par through 17 holes in today's second round.

Freshman Crystal Wang also join Nowlin, Sukaree, and Singhsumalee among the top 15 after the first day in Simpsonville, Ky. Wang started the day strong, posting five bridies and a 71 (-1) in the first round. Part of a handful of players to complete the second round, Wang finished the day with a 151 (+8).

Rounding out the Illini fivesome is sophomore Ali Morallos, who battled her way back to tie for 38th. Morallos was consistent in the second round, sitting 3-over par through 16 holes.

Playing as individuals, freshman duo Katie Hallinan and Lauren Nay tied for 67th and 75th respectively. After a slow start, Hallinan is at 5-over par through 17 holes in the second round. Nay finished the day with a 169 (+25).

Following the Illini is Big Ten opponent, Maryland, who sits in second with a distant 14-over par. Host No. 38 Louisville rounds out the top three with a 21-over par.

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