Illinois women’s golf started off slow this weekend in Florida but came back to win against Illinois State to remain undefeated in the history of the Illinois Challenge.
The fifth annual event took place Sunday at the Venice Golf and Country Club in Florida. The par-72, 5,094-yard course proved to be a bit of a challenge at the start, but eventually the Illini shook off the rust with some improved afternoon play to win four matches and tie two more.
“I thought the team was very resilient,” head coach Renee Slone said. “They came back strong in the afternoon.”
Match play began with a shaky start for the Illini, as they only won one of the first three ball matches. Sophomores Pimploy Thirati and Jackie Calamaro defeated Illinois State’s Jordyn Wyzgowski and Courtnee Cossell 3 and 2. Katie Jean and Hayley Guyton of Illinois State defeated sophomore Samantha Postillion and senior Kaitlyn Wampler 2 and 1. And Redbirds Carlee Cossell and Rachel Powers topped junior Ember Schuldt and sophomore Erin Ahern 2 and 1.
Going into this weekend, the team had prepared during the winter break. But even with confidence, Illinois was still in need of a jolt, considering that much of that preparation took place indoors.
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“I was very confident. I had a good feeling,” Schuldt said. “I think it was a little rust just because we haven’t had the chance to hit outside a lot.”
The slow start would not deter Illinois, though, as it came out strong in singles matches. And the confidence never seemed to waver because going into Sunday, the Illini had won four consecutive times over the Redbirds in the Illinois Challenge.
“I felt we definitely had the edge. In the morning, we felt like we couldn’t get it going,” Postillion said. “(Wampler and I) both started getting our game together in the back nine.”
Postillion said the last couple of weeks of preparation made the difference in afternoon matches.
The event was highlighted by Schuldt’s clutch putt to tie her individual match in the afternoon. After a 70-foot chip, she made the 4-footer to cap off her day.
The Illini will look to continue their good start, as the tournament portion of the spring season begins in three weeks at the Westbrook Spring Invite in Peoria, Ariz., on Feb. 24-25.
“Everyone needed to step up their game,” Slone said. “I think they have a lot to be proud of.”
Alex can be reached at [email protected].
