
Pihla Pennanen
Recap | Sayyalinh, Pennanen lead Women's Golf at Thomason Invite
10/02/2024 | 10:20:00 | Women's Golf
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Kayla Sayyalinh and Pihla Pennanen climb the leaderboards in the third round as the Salukis wrapped up play at the Diane Thomason Invitational Tuesday in Iowa City. The tournament, hosted by the University of Iowa, featured several high-major opponents.
SIU's best round came in the first and third, where they finished eighth and tenth, respectively. The second round put the Salukis behind heading into day two, and Head Coach Rory Weinfurther believes the second 18 holes on the same day can affect a team with a shortage of experience.
"I think a lot of it was fatigue and maybe some mental toughness because it was such a long day, different type of course and layout we don't see too often," she said. "Weather conditions were also a little different but overall it was a good test and learning experience as we get to compete against some really good teams."
Here is how the Saluki golfers fared:
Sayyalinh and Pennanen continue to lead the team, and Weinfurther has taken notice of their impact.
"I think they challenge the girls to be better as well and we all see that we can do well at these places," Weinfurther said. "They're definitely huge motivators for the team and they show me they want to keep getting better."
See a full tournament breakdown with Live Scoring.
UP NEXT
Saluki Women's Golf will conclude fall semester play at the Diamente Intercollegiate in Hot Springs, Ark., beginning Monday, October 21.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
For the latest updates on the Salukis, follow the team on X (@SIU_WGolf), Facebook (@Saluki Women's Golf), and Instagram (@siu_wgolf).
Â
SIU's best round came in the first and third, where they finished eighth and tenth, respectively. The second round put the Salukis behind heading into day two, and Head Coach Rory Weinfurther believes the second 18 holes on the same day can affect a team with a shortage of experience.
"I think a lot of it was fatigue and maybe some mental toughness because it was such a long day, different type of course and layout we don't see too often," she said. "Weather conditions were also a little different but overall it was a good test and learning experience as we get to compete against some really good teams."
Here is how the Saluki golfers fared:
- Team: 12th, 955 (+91)
- Kayla Sayyalinh: 30th, 234Â (+18)
- Pihla Pennanen: 37th, 236Â (+20)
- Ella Overstreet: 66th, 246Â (+30)
- Kylee Vaughan: 66th, 246Â (+30)
- Calli Smith: 78th, 252Â (+28)
Sayyalinh and Pennanen continue to lead the team, and Weinfurther has taken notice of their impact.
"I think they challenge the girls to be better as well and we all see that we can do well at these places," Weinfurther said. "They're definitely huge motivators for the team and they show me they want to keep getting better."
See a full tournament breakdown with Live Scoring.
UP NEXT
Saluki Women's Golf will conclude fall semester play at the Diamente Intercollegiate in Hot Springs, Ark., beginning Monday, October 21.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
For the latest updates on the Salukis, follow the team on X (@SIU_WGolf), Facebook (@Saluki Women's Golf), and Instagram (@siu_wgolf).
Â
Players Mentioned
12.17.25 | Inside Saluki Athletics, Presented by Northwind Roofing & Exteriors - Women's Basketball
Wednesday, December 17
12.17.25 | Saluki Radio Basketball Podcast - Illinois State
Wednesday, December 17
Inside Saluki Athletics - December 16th
Wednesday, December 17
12.16.25 | Inside Saluki Athletics - December 16th (Scott Nagy, Max Pikaar)
Tuesday, December 16

















