Southern Illinois University
MVC Championships
Brooke Cusumano leads pack at MVC Championship
04/17/2016 | 12:00:00 | Women's Golf
By Elizabeth Robinson
SIUSalukis.com
CHICAGO, Ill. – After the first round of the MVC Championship tournament, the Saluki women's golf team is in fifth place with a 310 team score. Junior Brooke Cusumano was the only player to break par, shooting a one-under 71 to lead all golfers.
Cusumano's 71 is her lowest 18-hole score of the season. She finished the first round of play with three birdies, the most of any Saluki in the opening day, and shot 13 holes on par, the second-most of all golfers.
"Brooke has the mental game to compete," SIU head coach Alexis Mihelich said. "There are only a few athletes who find a way to play their best golf when it matters the most, and she is one of them. Her best golf has always been played in this tournament, and there is more to come."
Senior Mattie Lindner had the Salukis' second-best finish of the day, shooting a 77 to tie for 19th place. Hanna Netisingha followed with a 79 to tie for 28th after shooting even on the front nine holes. Both Kristie Yang and Sun Young Jung are tied for 41st place after each shooting an 83.
Two-time defending champion and pre-championship favorite Wichita State (297) holds a two-stroke lead over second-place Bradley (299) after first-round play. Indiana State is in third after 18 holes with a 306, narrowly edging host Loyola (307) for that spot.
The 54-hole tournament continues with 18 holes tomorrow and concludes Tuesday with the final 18. The final two rounds begin at 8:30 am each day.
SIU Individual Scores (Through 18 holes)
1. Brooke Cusumano – 71
T19. Mattie Lindner – 77
T28. Hanna Netisingha – 79
T41. Kristie Yang – 83
T41. Sun Young Jung – 83
Team Scores (Through 18 holes)
1. Wichita State – 297
2. Bradley – 299
3. Indiana State – 306
4. Loyola – 307
5. Southern Illinois – 310
6. Northern Iowa – 311
7. Evansville – 315
8. Illinois State – 316
9. Drake – 317
10. Missouri State - 320
Players Mentioned
