Indiana State University Athletics

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The Sycamores will have to overcome some adversity in order to make it five wins in a row in the ISU Spring Invitational as they are in third place after 18 holes of play at The Country Club of Terre Haute. The event is being contested over the par-72, 6,041-yard layout as it has been for now five consecutive seasons.

"The story of the day is that we have a golfer in the Top 2 of the individual race and we were able to keep the momentum from Fort Wayne going here at home to lead after the opening day," head coach Greg Towne said. "We will need more efforts like Alex Jennings birdieing four holes in a row or Dawn Turner connected on a long putt in crunch time to continue to have a shot against this tough 10-team field tomorrow. We are expecting some weather overnight so we will try for a Noon start on Monday."

Indiana State's team score is now 311 after Thilda Staubo's opening round was wiped off the board following a late disqualification. Western Illinois and Northern Iowa are tied for the tournament lead at 306, just five strokes ahead of the Sycamores. Loyola had the early lead but are in fourth place after carding a round of 312 while William Woods is in fifth with a 317. Fort Wayne posted a round of 319 for sixth while Dayton is seventh at 320. Evansville posted a round of 323 for eighth while Eastern Illinois is ninth at 331. Green Bay rounds out the field with a round of 334.

Sophie Benetti continued her strong spring by posting an even par round of 72. She is two shots behind Northern Iowa's Emily Snelling who fired a two-under-par 70 for the individual lead. 

Alex Jennings birdied the last four holes of the round -- No. 15-18 to finish with a round of 79 and is tied for 24th place. Dawn Turner ran in a 70-foot putt for birdie on the par-3 No. 16 hole for a 78 and is tied for 12th place. Sierra Hargens posted a round of 82 and is tied for 38th place.

With the luxury of playing at home, so comes the luxury of playing the entire active roster. Kayla Ryan fired a round of 78 playing as an individual which is tied for 13th place. Abigail Irwin recorded a round of 81 which is tied for 33rd place. Robyn Blanchard is 60th after an opening round of 89. 

With weather expected to affect the area overnight, the final round will begin at Noon (ET) with a shotgun start.