Hi Illini Nation, 

The start of the spring season has been exciting to say the least. Over the past two weeks, we have competed in the Columbia Classic hosted at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Fla., and the ICON Invitational hosted at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble, Texas.

Duran was a promising start for us as a team. We were blessed with the opportunity to have played the course an additional time a couple weeks prior to the event during our training trip, which allowed us to dial in the elements necessary for success in the tournament. The tournament featured some high winds, and the final round in particular presented a strong challenge, yet we managed our games well, using our prior practice to put ourselves in the best possible positions to succeed. We saw the tournament as a great starting point for the season to build upon, as it allowed us to focus on areas of improvement for the following event, and it reinforced a number of important aspects of course management.

And at Houston, we put it all into action to continue building upon our success.

With the lowest 54-hole tournament in school history, the team finished second at the ICON with a total score of -24 (840).  The team saw not one - not even two - but three career achievements at the event!

With an incredible, record-breaking tournament, Crystal Wang fired 68-71-64 to finish third in a very competitive field and set new school records; Kornkamol Sukaree posted 70-68-70 for her career best; Isabel Sy finished the final round with a 67—her career best—and I myself saw my own career best with 72-69-72 along with my very first hole-in-one during the final round. Needless to say, it was an extremely successful event that we will use as a building block for future tournaments.

We were all very thankful for the kindness and generosity that the hosts and sponsors of both the Columbia Classic and ICON Invitational provided to us. The tournaments were wonderful events to be a part of, and we valued the experience we gained from each of them. Shout-outs to everyone who came to watch us during the events; we greatly appreciate your support!

Once again, I would like to give a shout-out to Crystal on her amazing tournament and for earning the Big Ten Golfer of the Week award. We are all inspired by both our team and individual successes to keep furthering our games and bring our best selves to the next event at the Briar's Creek Invitational.

Until then, go Illini!

Lexanne Halama