Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's women's golf team concluded their season by finishing eighth at the Missouri Valley Conference Championships in Waterloo, Illinois. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Rory Weinfurther, the team entered the last round tied for second place but ultimately recorded the day's highest score, leading to their descent in the rankings.

Coach Weinfurther recognized the learning curve the team faced and highlighted the importance of getting accustomed to high-pressure situations to achieve long-term goals. "We weren't in contention a lot during this semester," she stated, "so we maybe felt some pressure to win or place well, being in the final groups."

Despite the drop in standings, Weinfurther expressed satisfaction with her players' determination. "I'm very happy with the way they finished," she said, noting their eagerness to perform well in the challenging atmosphere of the finals.

Significant contributions came from team members, most notably in the initial round where all five golfers scored in the 70s. Morgan Gindler's season-low of 75 and freshman Pihla Pennanen's impressive 72 during the second round were pivotal. Sophomore Kayla Sayyalinh, a consistent leader throughout the season, finished in tenth place with a score of 224 (+8) and received praise from Weinfurther for her potential.

Ella Overstreet also highlighted her season by tying her season-low score with a total of 231, showcasing her steadiness and motivated mindset. "She's stayed motivated this semester and knows what to work on, which makes it great to coach her," commented Weinfurther.

Ultimately, the team placed eighth with a cumulative score of 924 (+60). Individual performances included Kayla Sayyalinh (T-10th, 224), Ella Overstreet (25th, 231), Pihla Pennanen (T-36th, 237), Morgan Gindler (T-40th, 238), and Calli Smith (T-42nd, 239).

As the 2024-25 season ends, Southern Illinois women's golf begins its preparation for the upcoming season. Followers can stay updated on their progress through social media platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram.