ORLANDO, Fla. – The No. 14 Illinois women's golf team concluded its first tournament of the spring season on Tuesday afternoon, placing 14th at the UCF Challenge with a three-day total of 876 (+3). The Illini carded rounds of 286-296-291 at the Eagle Creek Golf Course (Par 72, 6,349 yards) in Orlando Fla.
A trio of freshman led the way for the Illini. In the team lineup for the first time, Katie Hallinan was the top Illini, tying 33rd overall with a 217 (+1). For the third time this season, Hallinan recorded a career-best 71 (-1) in the second round. Kornkamol Sukaree and Crystal Wang were close behind, tied for 42nd and 49th overall, respectively.
Sophomore Ali Morallos improved in the third round with an even-par 72, tied 77th overall with a 224 (+8). Rounding out the fivesome was senior Bing Singhsumalee with a 225 (+9), tied for 80th.
As an individual, freshman Lauren Nay finished with a 234 (+18).
No. 3 Vanderbilt topped the field with an impressive 841 (-23), while No. 9 Kent State and No. 27 Miami followed with 849 (-15) each for second-overall. Unranked Old Dominion was close behind with 852 (-11). Rounding out the top five was No. 42 Kennesaw State with 855 (-9).
The top Big Ten teams were No. 40 Penn State (-8) and No. 35 Michigan State (-7), who finished sixth and seventh respectively.
The Illini will have a short break before heading back to the desert for the Westbrook Invitational in Peoria, Ariz. This marks the seventh time in program history that Illinois have competed in this tournament. The last time the Orange and Blue won at the Westbrook Invitational was in 2012.
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