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HUMBLE, Texas – Isabel Sy carded a 4-under 68 during today's final round at The Chevron Collegiate to earn co-champion honors at the Golf Club of Houston, becoming an individual medalist for the first time in her career.
"For today's round I had no expectations going into it and did not really have an idea where I was placed," Sy said. "I just wanted to play the same way I always do and make the most of the opportunities that I get. I made a 20-footer for birdie on my last hole, not knowing that it would tie me with the lead. I then found out that I would be named co-champions officially while I was eating lunch with the team."
"I was overwhelmed with joy and could not be more grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey. It was great to enjoy the moment with one of the most important people who made it possible."
Sy entered the day just one stroke off of the lead and birdied two of the first three holes to begin the day. She then picked up one more birdie on No. 12 and played mistake-free golf the rest of the way before collecting the decisive birdie on No. 5. The senior recorded her fifth-straight Top 5 finish, a streak that began following a tied-for-fourth finish at the Windy City Collegiate on Oct. 3, 2023.
Over the 54 holes of play in the Lone Star State, the San Gabriel, Calif., native bogeyed just three holes and tallied 15 birdies, which was tied for fourth-most among the field. Sy also led all golfers in par 4 scoring (3.67, -10).
"I am so happy for Isabel to earn her first collegiate win," head coach Renee Slone said. "She has played some outstanding golf this year and has been knocking on the door. We knew her time was coming and it was just a matter of staying patient and continuing to do the little things that enable her to perform her best. I am very proud of how she managed the conditions, the course and herself today."
Sy's performance helped the Illini to an even-par team score of 288 on the day, resulting in a ninth-place finish overall, with a tournament total of 853 (-11).
Yurang Li recorded a Top 25 finish for the first time in her career, ending the tournament tied for 22nd after her final round of 71 (-1). Li carded three birdies during the final round, giving her nine total for the tournament. She also racked up 38 pars and an eagle.
Erica Lee placed tied for 37th after her third-straight round of even par. Lee's 2.75 (-3) scoring average on par 3s was good for tied-for-third-lowest among the field.
Anna Ritter finished tied for 75th after her third round score of 77 (+5) and her 42 pars were tied for the most during the tournament. Lexanne Halama placed 80th after her final round of 80 (+8).
SMU took home the team title at 33-under (831), with Maryland's Nicha Kanpai sharing individual medalist honors with Sy.
The Fighting Illini will be back in action on March 11 for the Briar's Creek Invitational in Johns Island, S.C.
