Southern Illinois University’s women’s golf team is set to open its season under new head coach Samantha Sambursky at The Velvet Classic, which starts Monday, September 15 in Paducah, Kentucky. The two-day event includes 36 holes on Monday and 18 on Tuesday, with Murray State and Belmont also competing from the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Salukis’ roster remains largely unchanged from last year, returning six golfers. Freshman Hannia Gastelum is the only newcomer and will make her debut this week. She joins Allie Santos, Kayla Sayyalinh, Calli Smith, and Amelia Zingler in the starting lineup. Ella Overstreet will compete as an individual.
Kayla Sayyalinh returns after playing all 30 rounds last season and leading the team with a 76.37 stroke average. She finished her sophomore campaign by tying for tenth place at the Missouri Valley Conference Championships.
Weather forecasts predict hot conditions for both days of play, with temperatures reaching highs of 93 degrees on Monday and 92 on Tuesday. Winds are expected to remain calm at about five miles per hour.
Live scoring for the tournament will be available online. Fans can follow updates about Southern Illinois women’s golf on X (@SIU_WGolf), Facebook (@Saluki Women’s Golf), and Instagram (@siu_wgolf).
