Singhsumalee Finishes Third as the No. 22 Illini Finish Fourth at Lady Buckeye

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Despite the rainy conditions, the No. 22 Fighting Illini women's golf team bounced back from a slow start to finish fourth at the 39th Lady Buckeye Invitational in Columbus Ohio. The Orange and Blue carded rounds of 298-294-303 at the tournament. Overall, Illinois finished second in par-4 scoring at 4-over par.

"It was a tough day for the entire field as indicated by the scores," said head coach Renee Slone. "After some heavy morning rainfall, the course was deemed to be playable and we were able to complete the round. It was a rocky start for the team, but they embraced the conditions."

Illinois was led by lone senior Bing Singhsumalee, who recorded her fourth career top-three finish, placing third with 218 (+2). Also finishing in the top-15 on the player leaderboard was freshman Crystal Wang, who was in a five-way tie for 13th with 224 (+8).

"Crystal (Wang) had a strong round today and Bing (Singhsumalee) bounced back and made some birdies coming down the stretch," noted Slone.

Freshman duo Kornkamol Sukaree and Katie Hallinan finished in the top-35, tied for 32nd and 35th, respectively. Sukaree recorded 230 (+14) highlighted by an even-par 72 on Saturday, while Hallinan finished with 231 (+15). Sophomore Ali Morallos tied for 55th with 237 (+21). Junior Tristyn Nowlin withdrew today due to an aggravated wrist injury.   

"Unfortunately, Tristyn (Nowlin) was forced to withdraw," said Slone. "She hit a shot from a buried lie in a bunker yesterday that irritated the hand she had surgery on in February."

Finishing on top was NCAA Championship participant, No. 9 Kent State with 16-over par. Reigning Big Ten Champions, No. 19 Michigan State, was close behind with 17-over par. No. 49 Maryland rounds out the top-three with 890 (+26). Following the Illini were Michigan and host Ohio State with 32-over par and 33-over par, respectively. Out of the top six teams, five represented the Big Ten conference.

"Looking forward to having six players clicking on all cylinders next week at the Big Ten Championships," said Slone.

With the regular season in the books, the Orange and Blue will prepare for the Big Ten Championships, held in Maineville, Ohio. The three-day competition will begin on Friday, April 19, and conclude on Sunday.

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