CHESTERTON, Ind. -- Indiana State put together the best team score of the third and final round of the Missouri Valley Conference Preview as they raced up the leader board to tie for fifth place. The MVC Fall Preview was held at the Sand Creek Golf Club which is a par-72, 6,074-yard layout in northern Indiana.
The Sycamores team score of 326 was the top team score of the day. Coupled with rounds of 338 and 333 on Monday and the total of 997 tied them for fifth place overall with Drake. Loyola who carded a round of 327 on Tuesday finished with a score of 1,000 to finish just behind the Sycamores in seventh place. Northern Iowa's total of 1,005 was eighth while host Valparaiso finished with a score of 1,055 and in ninth place. Evansville did not compete in the event.
"Every team can learn from every situation," head coach
Greg Towne said. "It was neat to see the kids hit some shots that may never be required of them normally. We are looking forward to next week in Evansville when the whole team gets to play."
Missouri State posted a 327 in the final round and won the event with the a score of 969. They were just ahead of Bradley who carded a final round of 328 and their total was 971. Illinois State (987) was third while Southern Illinois finished with a score of 989 which was fourth.
Junior
Sierra Hargens made it a perfect 4-of-4 on the season with Top 20 finishes as she posted a team-best 76 on Tuesday to go with her rounds of 83 and 85 on Monday for a total of 244.
Kayla Ryan continued to play well from the left-handed side as she had rounds of 83 and 85 on Monday and came back with a 79 on Tuesday. Her total of 247 finished in a tie for 10th place -- her first career Top 10 finish.
Thilda Staubo carded rounds of 84 and 86 during the opening day and came back with a round of 84 for a total of 254 which tied for 27th.
Abigail Irwin posted a score of 88 on Tuesday which followed rounds of 89 and 78 earlier for a total of 255 which was 29th.
Lauren Green's 87 followed rounds of 88 and 85 for a total of 260 which tied for 37th place.
Playing as individuals,
Sophie Benetti opened with rounds of 87 and 82 before carding an 82 on Tuesday. She finished with 251 strokes which tied for 21st place and was the third-best showing on the team.
Madison Branum carded rounds of 89, 85 and 91 for a total of 265 which tied for 45th place. There was nine teams and 55 players in the field.
The Sycamores will wrap the 2018 fall campaign on October 22-23 when they travel to Evansville for the Charles Braun Intercollegiate. All members of the team are expected to travel and play in the event.
