COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho – No. 23 Illinois Women's golf team will travel west to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho for the Coeur d'Alene Resort Collegiate Invitational, hosted by Gonzaga. In their second consecutive appearance, the orange and blue will compete in the two-day tournament, running from Monday through Tuesday at The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course (par-71, 6,099 yards).
"We have focused our time on putting, speed control with longer distances, and positioning off the tee with a variety of clubs," head coach Renee Slone. "These will be some key areas for Coeur d'Alene."
The same starting fivesome that represented Illinois last week at the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Collegiate in Knoxville will play for the Illini this weekend – senior Bing Singhsumalee, junior Tristyn Nowlin, sophomore Ali Morallos, and freshmen Kornkamol Sukaree and Crystal Wang.
Last season, Illinois was the runner-up of the inaugural Coeur d'Alene Resort Collegiate Invitational with a score of 11-under par 841 (280-279-282). The 11-under-par score ties for the second best 54-hole tournament team score in program's record books. Individually, Morallos tied for sixth, recording a personal best two-under par 211 (72-67-72).
Joining the Illini and the host are 16 teams, including BYU, California, Colorado State, FIU, Long Beach State, Northern Arizona, San Jose State, Seattle, UC Irvine, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, San Francisco, UNLV, Washington State, and Wichita State.
The first round will begin on Monday with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. PT/10 a.m. CT with continuous play into the second round. The final round of play with be played on Tuesday, with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. PT/10 a.m. CT. The awards presentation will immediately follow the completion of the final round.
"After Mercedes-Benz, we were reminded of the importance of slowing down after a mistake, so we can assess the situation, think through all possible options, and make the best decision based on the circumstances," said Slone.
Last Time Out
The Illini battled back in their season opener, finishing third at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate (Sept. 17-18) in Knoxville, Tenn.
Our freshmen, Sukaree and Wang, led the team in their first collegiate tournament, tying for 14th overall with a 220 (+7). Wang was under par (70) in the final round and posted the most birdies on the team with 10.
Singhsumalee and Nowlin finished in the top-30, tying 18th and 23rd respectively. Nowlin posted an eagle on hole 11 in the first round of the tournament. She was one of eight competitors to accomplishment that feat. Rounding out the Illini lineup was Morallos, who tied for 41st with a 226 (+13).
Follow the Illini
Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for all the latest information on Fighting Illini Women's Golf. Follow the Orange and Blue on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for complete coverage.
