INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana State Sycamores enjoyed a standout day on the links as they came charging back with an outstanding second round to finish second while sophomore
Sierra Hargens picked her first career individual victory in thrilling fashion at the Butler Fall Invitational. The event was held at the par-70, 6,035 yard layout of the Highland Country Club.
Hargens who posted a then career-best round of 71 during Monday's first round, came back with a even better round of even par-70 over the final 18 on Tuesday as she erased a four shot deficit to tie Indianapolis' Kyle Raines and Paxton DeHaven, who was playing as an individual. DeHaven had rounds of 71 and 70 just like Hargens while Raines held a four shot lead after an opening round of 67 but tallied a 74 on Tuesday to force the three-way tie at 141. DeHaven was eliminated on the first playoff hole which pitted Hargens and Raines against each other and the battled continued all the way to a fourth playoff hole. Hargens carded a par on the fourth extra hole to give her the victory over Raines. It is the first individual victory for Hargens in her young career besting a second place finish last year at Youngstown State.
The Sycamores also enjoyed a great day on the team leader board as they posted a score of 295 -- its best of the season -- which followed an opening round of 304 and a tally of 599. That was good enough for a second place finish just behind Indianapolis' 579 who won the event. Indiana State downed host Butler who had rounds od 312 and 299 for a total of 611 while IUPUI was fourth after rounds of 302 and 312 for a total of 614. Marian was in fifth place with a 619 while Youngstown State was sixth after tallying a score of 639. Fort Wayne (650), Evansville (654), Deleware State (678) and Bellermine (700) rounded out the field. Chicago State withdrew from the event before it began.
Robyn Blanchard continued to bounce back from a rough first nine holes on Monday and followed up her 77 -- in which she was under par on the final nine holes -- with a score of 73 and a total of 150 which gave her a Top 10 finish and a tie for ninth place.
Sophie Benetti continued her trend upward with a round of 76 which followed Monday's 77 and a total of 153 which was tied for 14th place.
Thilda Staubo improved upon her 79 with a round of 76 for .a total of 155 and a 17th place finish.
Abigail Irwin made her debut this year in the lineup with rounds of 83 and 85 for a total of 168 and a tie for 46th place.
Dawn Turner continued her climb back from an illness with rounds of 79 and 84 playing as an individual and her total of 163 was 39th.
Indiana State will host its fundraiser golf outing on Sunday, October 8 at Hulman Links Golf Course. Registration information is available on GoSycamores.com. ISU returns to their fall schedule with a long trip to Newton, Kan., on October 16-17 as they travel to the Missouri Valley Conference Championship Preview to be held at the Sand Creek Station Golf Course and hosted by Missouri State.
