McLean County Times

Seniors Jacque O'Neill and Macy Ludwig have positioned themselves in a leading tie at the Cardinal Classic, representing Illinois Wesleyan University. Following the completion of the first day's 18 holes, the team's golf squad is just one stroke behind the leading team, WashU.

The team managed a 317 opening round score on the par-72, 5630-yard course at Bolingbrook Golf Club, with WashU holding the top spot at 316. The standings list Aurora third with 322, followed by North Central at 333 and Lake Forest with 339.

Individually, O'Neill and Ludwig each produced a four-over-par score of 76. O'Neill maintained an even pace in her final 11 holes, achieving a birdie on the seventh hole to tie for first. Meanwhile, Ludwig secured her position by birdying the third and fifth holes, ending two-under over her last seven holes to match O'Neill.

Sophomore Emily Gastrau is also showing strong, posting an eight-over 80 to secure seventh position, while freshman Grace Fagan is tied for 16th place with an 85. The tournament concludes with a final round starting tomorrow at 9 a.m. using a shotgun start format. Results will be updated via the live scoring provided by Scoreboard powered by Clippd.

Illinois Wesleyan individuals currently stand as follows: O'Neill and Ludwig tied in first, Gastrau in seventh, Fagan tied at 16th, followed by Claire Ancevicius in 36th, Caroline Carr in 40th, Brooke Erhard in 50th, and Kylie Hundman at 59th. Team standings list WashU first, Illinois Wesleyan second, and Aurora third.