BATAVIA, Ohio. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Golf placed ninth among the 12-team field at the Julie Invitational, hosted by Northern Kentucky University on Monday and Tuesday.
The Screaming Eagles made a furious comeback on day two of the 36-hole Invitational, improving by 23 strokes and shooting a 318. However, USI struggled on day one again as the Eagles finished the first round in last place with a score of 341. The squad finished with a team score of 659 (+91) in 36 holes.
The final order of finish was Youngstown State University (+53), Lindenwood University (+61), Indiana University Indianapolis (+64), University of Wisconsin Green Bay (+65), Purdue University Fort Wayne (+67), NKU (+69), Glenville State University (+77), University of Detroit Mercy (+84), USI (+91), Valparaiso University (+92), Saint Francis University (+97), and Eastern Illinois University (+101).
Round 1
The Eagles continue to struggle in the first round of tournaments this spring, shooting a 341. Freshman Jade Blakeley returned to the lineup, delivering her best round of the tournament with an 82.
Senior Baileigh Schneider also delivered a respectable round one score of 84. However, USI averaged an 85 and failed to break 80 in the first round of the tournament for the third straight competition.
Round 2
USI flipped the switch on day two and jumped three spots into ninth place, averaging a score of 79 among the top four competitors. Both sophomore Alexis Wymer and freshman Brianna Kirsch broke 80 in their final rounds.
Wymer jumped eight spots and improved her score by 13 strokes, finishing with a 79. The round marks the first time this season the sophomore has broken 80 and the second time in her career.
Kirsch dazzled in the final round, leaping 26 spots into a tie for 37th. The freshman totaled a 75 (+4) with four birdies, nine pars, two bogeys, one double, and a triple. Kirsch leads the team with nine rounds under 80 total.
Vera delivered another consistent round, improving by five strokes with a score of 80 (+9). The freshman tied Kirsch at 37th overall as Vera continues to provide stability for this squad.
What’s Next
USI Women’s Golf concludes the regular season at the Jan Weaver Invitational on April 5-6. The Eagles continue to prepare for the ultra-competitive Ohio Valley Conference tournament on April 13-15.
