CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Indiana State senior
Thilda Staubo dominated the 91-person field of the Saluki Invitational -- winning by a total of eight strokes over the second place finisher -- to win her first collegiate individual tournament championship. The two-day, 36-hole event was held at the Hickory Ridge Golf Course, a par-72, 6,091-yard layout.
Staubo tied a career-low with a two-under-par round of 70 on Sunday and came back with a mark of 74 in the second round. The two-day total of 144 gave Staubo her first collegiate medalist title.
"Congrats to
Thilda Staubo on capturing her first collegiate title and winning the event by eight shots," head coach
Greg Towne said. "The team is coming into form. We had the chance to beat a very good Southern Illinois team, at their home course. We got to experience some heavy weather as well which should help us at the MVC Championship."
The Sycamores fired a tournament best round of 315 on Monday which when coupled with their mark of 305 in the opening round gave them a total of 620 and a second place finish in the event. Host Southern Illinois was the champion with rounds of 299 and 316 for a total of 615 and the five shot advantage. MVC foe Evansville posted rounds of 313 and 318 for a total of 631 and a spot in third.
Staubo was one of three Sycamores to finish in the individual Top 20 of the standings.
Sophie Benetti followed up her opening round of 76 with a total of 81 for a total of 157 which tied for 12th place.
Sierra Hargens tallied two rounds of 80 for a total of 160 which tied her for 16th place.
Kayla Ryan carded rounds of 79 and 84 for a total of 163 and a tie for 26th place.
Lauren Green's Monday round of 80 was an improvement over her mark of 84 on Sunday for a total of 164 which tied her 30th place and placed the entire starting lineup within the Top 30. Playing an an individual,
Abigail Irwin posted a pair of 83's for a total of 166 and a tie for 36th place.
Indiana State hosts their lone tournament of the year on Sunday, April 7 and Monday, April 8 at The Country Club of Terre Haute. The event is free and open to the public on both days.
