Oct. 5, 2009

By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com

Round One Results

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Southern Illinois University women's golf team sits in 16th place after one round of play at the Johnie Imes Invitational. The University of Missouri is hosting the 18-team tournament at The Club at Old Hawthorne in Columbia, Mo. The second round was suspended due to darkness and will resume tomorrow morning followed by the final round of play.

No. 35 Tulsa currently leads the field with No. 41 Wisconsin and No. 47 Indiana close behind, rounding out the top three teams. The Salukis shot a 324 in the first round to gain a lead of the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Redlands Community College.

Alisha Matthews led the Salukis through the first round with a 78, while Meg Gilley is close behind after shooting at 81. Jenna Dombroski carded an 82 while Alex Anderson recorded an 88 after one round of play. Amber Phillips shot a 101 in her first tournament appearance taking the place of Shaina Rennebarge who did not travel due to illness.

"The only way to get better is to play tough golf courses and tough competition," Daugherty said. "We had some bright spots, but it definitely hurts your lineup to lose a key player."

Strong winds, cool temperatures and tough competition did not bode well for the Salukis during the first day of the tournament, but Daugherty is optimistic about tomorrow and looks to move up the leaderboard.