Connie Ellett
The Northern Illinois University women’s golf team took second place after the final round of play Monday at the Redbird Invitational at Weibring Golf Club.
NIU, which led the tournament after the first two rounds, shot a final round 318 to finish in second with a 922, tied with Butler. The 922 was the Huskies’ second lowest school for a 54-hole tournament, which NIU shot at the Islander Classic Feb. 25, 2014. Host Illinois State won the team title with a 910, paced by individual medalist Brianna Cooper.
“A second place is a good way to start the year out,” said NIU head coach Kim Kester. “We had a rough day today. We couldn’t hit a lot of greens and get up and down. It’s a good start. We’re moving in the right direction.”
Sophomore Lena Gautier (La Celle Saint Cloud, France/Creteil) and junior Connie Ellett (Hampshire, Ill./Hampshire) finished tied for sixth after shooting a 227, a career low for both golfers and ranks eighth with Jessica Parmenter, who shot a 227 at the 2007 Shootout at the Legends. Connie Ellett was the most consistent Huskie, as she was the only one to card sub-80 rounds in all three rounds (78-73-76). Gautier had a strong first day, shooting a 76 and 71, however, struggled in the final round, posting an 81.
Junior Samantha Coyne (Bartlett, Ill./Bartlett) climbed to 24th with a 232 (75-80-77), while sophomore Sydney Brickey (Burtchville, Mich./Shattuck-St. Mary’s) took 43rd with a 237 (79-73-85).
Senior Taylor Ellett (Hampshire, Ill./Hampshire) took 79th after scoring a 249 (83-79-87) and rounds out the Huskie team scores. Senior Casey LaBarbera (Marinette, Wis./Marinette), who was playing as an individual, scored a 246 (82-83-81) and finished tied for 69th.
The Huskies return to the course next week when they travel to Louisville, Ky. for the Louisville Cardinal Cup hosted by Louisville. Tee time is set for 8 a.m. CT.
For more information on NIU women’s golf and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
