Feb. 22, 2009

By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com

Day One Results

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Southern Illinois University women's golf team is in 39th place after day one at the Kiawah Island Classic, hosted by the College of Charleston. The tournament is the largest collegiate golf event ever held. Of the 43 teams participating, 21 are currently in the top 100 by Golfweek.

The Salukis 39th place puts them ahead of Bradley, Wofford College and Mercer University. Head Coach Diane Daugherty says with such tough competition this week, she is happy to be ahead of a conference rival.

"It is the largest golf tournament, and is played on two different golf courses," Daugherty says. "We played the harder of the two courses today, so we are hoping our scores tomorrow reflect that."

Freshmen Alisha Matthews and Meg Gilley led the Salukis with a score of 81 and 83, respectively. Kate Laegeler finished round two with a score of 88 while Braidy Hood shot an 89. Alex Anderson rounded out the Salukis lineup shooting a 104 on the first day of competition.

"I'm proud of our freshmen, Alisha and Meg," said Daugherty. "The wind came up today and the seniors just couldn't handle it."

Daugherty expects better scores tomorrow, as the second day of competition begins at 9 a.m.