Hello Illini Nation!
Our team is fresh off another historic finish at the 2019 Big Ten Conference Championship. This was our second runner-up finish in a row at the familiar TPC River's Bend in Maineville, Ohio. It provided a challenging but exhilarating track yet again for this year's tournament.
We spent our Thursday determining our game plan for the coming days during our sunny, but windy practice round. That night we dressed up for the Big Ten Banquet where Bing Singhsumalee was honored as our lone senior for the graduating class of 2019. Then it was off to bed before the tournament began!
Coming off a rainy weekend at Ohio State's Lady Buckeye, we were met with similar conditions during the first round of Big Tens. After a long, wet day we saw our continued patience and resilience out on the course put us at the top of the leaderboard after day 1. With a team score of 291 (+3), we were 3 shots clear of second place Ohio State. Freshman Kornkamol Sukaree finished the day with a 1-under par 71 to lead both the Illini and the tournament! As our day on the course ended, the rain stayed and continued through the next day.
After several hours of debate on whether the course would be playable on day 2, the decision was made to cancel Saturday's round due to unplayable conditions out on the course. Allowing a day for the course to dry out, we spent our time having a rather damp practice session preparing our game for the following day.
Sunday brought the warmth and the sunshine and perfect conditions to score. As soon as we got off the bus, we all felt ready and excited to get after it. In our team huddle that morning, our energy was high; the belief we all had in each other was tangible. We got off to a tremendous start, catapulting with an opening nine team score of -8 (eight under par).
As we made the turn however, we began to struggle. After a few tough holes, we continued fighting as the nine continued, but were unable to get that front nine momentum back and finished the day with a team total of 1 under par 287, three shots behind first place Ohio State. Freshman Crystal Wang and senior Bing Singhsumalee led us with rounds of 70 and 71. The 2019 Big Ten Conference Championship came to a close, tied for second with both Indiana and Purdue.
It was an admittedly tough and emotional end to this year's Big Ten Championship, but we all know some of the greatest learning experiences come from our losses and we will be better for it. Although we weren't the ones holding the trophy, we left with our heads held high, proud of our fight and ready for what's to come.
As a freshman, I had never experienced the kind of support we had from our fans, family, and friends that weekend. Seeing so many familiar faces out there from Illini Nation cheering us on is something truly special and we as a team are incredibly grateful for it. Competing in the electric atmosphere they created is a unique experience that I think we will never forget.
Our next adventure will take place in East Lansing, Mich. as we compete in the NCAA Regional held at Forest Akers West on May 6-8.
Go Illini! Until next time,
Katie Hallinan
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