McLean County Times

The Illinois State Redbirds women's golf team commenced their campaign at the Rio Verde Invitational in Arizona, positioning themselves in second place with two rounds remaining. Morgan Jones led the charge for ISU with a two-under 70, tying her for third individually. Jinyoung Yun followed closely with a one-under 71, placing her tied for seventh. The team's collective score of 289 ranks as the 20th-best single-round score in school history.

Cal Baptist emerged as the first-day leader with a score of 283, while ISU trails closely behind. Other teams rounding out the top five include Xavier (292), Ball State (293), and Ohio (295). The rest of the field comprises Missouri State (298), Utah Tech (299), Central Michigan (299), Kennesaw State (300), Wichita State (301), CSU Northridge (302), Akron (303), Western Michigan (304), Bradley (305), South Dakota (306), Creighton (307), Butler (308), Bowling Green (312), Western Michigan "B" team and Oakland both at 313, and Loyola at 314.

Jones' performance included five birdies and ten pars, marking her ninth round under par this season. Yun also had an impressive round with five birdies and nine pars, achieving her 11th round at or under par this season. Freshman Jessica Jolly shot an even-par 72, setting a school record for most rounds at or under par by a freshman in a single season. Elise Fennell and Lory Paradis both recorded scores of 76.

The Redbirds will resume play tomorrow morning at 11 a.m., competing alongside Bowling Green, South Dakota, and Central Michigan.

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