KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Behind top-15 efforts from newcomers Kornkamol Sukaree and Crystal Wang, the Fighting Illini women's golf team tied for third with Charlotte at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship hosted by Tennessee.
"I thought they did a great job battling for every shot out there," said head coach Renee Slone. "They fought hard every step of the way."
The Illini posted an even-par round of 284 to finish 876 (+24) for the two-day tournament. This is the sixth consecutive year that the Illini have finished top-3 in their season opening tournaments.
In their first collegiate tournament, freshmen Sukaree and Wang tied for 14th overall with a 220 (+7). Wang was under par (70) in the final round, while yesterday Sukaree was under par (70) in the tournament's second round. Wang posted the most birdies on the team with 10.
"I was excited with Crystal (Wang) and Stang (Sukaree)'s performance, noted Slone. "Both were able to bounce back and had strong rounds today. They did an excellent job of making the adjustments needed throughout the tournament."
Senior Bing Singhsumalee and junior Tristyn Nowlin finished in the top-30, tying for 18th and 23rd respectively. Over the two-day event, Singhsumalee recorded a 222 (+9), while Nowlin posted 221 (+8). Both had their best round on the final day with an even-par 71. The highlight of the tournament was when Nowlin posted an eagle on hole 11 during the first round of competition.
Sophomore Ali Morallos tied for 41st with a 226 (+13) to round out the Illini lineup.
No. 8 Kent State and Middle Tennessee State finished first and second, respectively, while Kentucky's Leonie Bettel took the individual crown.
"I look at every tournament and round as an opportunity to get better," said Slone. I do feel we are capable of a lot more, but this was a solid start to the season. It was a good tournament to build off for next week in Coeur d'Alene."
The Illini have a short break before making the trek to the west coast for the Gonzaga hosted Coeur d'Alene Resort Collegiate in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on Sept. 24-25.
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