KEVIN JENISON
GoSycamores.com
CHICAGO, Ill. - The Sycamore women's golf team is currently in second place, just six shots behind tournament leading IUPUI, after the first round of the Cougar Classic being played at Harborside International in Chicago. The final round will be played on Tuesday.
"These were very hard holes," Greg Towne, Indiana State women's golf coach, said. "It is something that the girls were not used to ... fast greens and windy conditions. It was neat to see the kids play fairly well in such unusual circumstances which I was really happy about."
The links style course brought new challenges to the Sycamores but nothing like what they may face in tomorrow's final round.
"Typical of links style play, the wind is supposed to be up tomorrow which will bring a whole new set of challenges for the ladies," Towne said. "I look forward to see how they respond."
Sycamore senior Emily Dixon continued her good play of the early Fall season by shooting a 74 in the opening round and just a shot back of co-leaders Jordan Woods and Olivia Kuss, both from IUPUI and both shooting a 73 in the opening round.
Junior McCall Christopher is tied for 20th with a round of 79 while sophomore Gina Della Camera is tied for 24th at 80. Senior Christina Beyerl and sophomore Amanda Smith each carded an 82 and are tied for 39th in the field of 88 golfers. Also competing for Indiana State as individuals is sophomore Erinn Sutton who fired an 80 in the opening round to share 24th and sophomore Andrea Frankiewicz who shot a season best 88 in the first round to share 75th spot.
"There was good and bad out there today," Towne said. "Everybody really did alright. Emily shot a 74 and continues to play well. Christina hit the ball over five greens today and took a couple double bogies on a round where she would otherwise be close to the front."
IUPUI leads the team race with a 309 total in the opening round with Indiana State second at 315. Cleveland State is third at 316 with Chicago State fourth at 318.
The final round begins at 9:30 a.m. (ET) Tuesday with a shotgun start.
