Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Charles Braun Jr. Intercollegiate
10/20/2026 | 6:09:00 | Women's Golf
EVANSVILLE, IND. – Southern Illinois Women's Golf closed out its fall season in style Tuesday, winning The Braun Intercollegiate at Oak Meadow Country Club in Evansville, Indiana.
The Salukis finished first in the team standings with a 32-over-par total, following an opening-round 20-over and a strong 12-over final round. Southern Illinois entered Tuesday atop the leaderboard and held onto the lead to secure the team title by six strokes over Indiana State.
SIU also placed three golfers inside the top five individually. Kayla Sayyalinh led the Salukis with a tied-for-third finish at four-over par, while Mackenzie Thomas and Poppy Norcott both finished tied for fifth at six-over.
Sayyalinh followed an opening-round 35 with a 39 in the final round to finish at +4. Thomas closed with the best final round among the Salukis' top three finishers, carding a 34 on Tuesday after an opening-round 37. Norcott posted an opening-round 35 before finishing with a 39 to join Thomas in a tie for fifth.
Maria Eugenia Peres finished tied for 31st at +16, while Calli Smith finished tied for 41st at +19 to round out the Salukis' team lineup.
Southern Illinois also had four golfers competing as individuals. Zeme Moore finished tied for 39th at +18, Allie Santos placed tied for 36th at +17, Hannia Gastelum Cedano finished tied for 41st at +19 and Taylor Pacheco finished tied for 56th at +25.
The victory capped a fall season that saw Southern Illinois continue to make progress throughout its schedule. After opening the fall at the Bear Brawl and competing at The Velvet and Lady Red Wolves Classic, the Salukis saved their best team finish for the final event of the semester.
Here is how the Salukis finished:
- Team: 1st, +32
- Kayla Sayyalinh: T-3rd, +4
- Mackenzie Thomas: T-5th, +6
- Poppy Norcott: T-5th, +6
- Maria Eugenia Peres: T-31st, +16
- Calli Smith: T-41st, +19
- Allie Santos (Individual): T-36th, +17
- Zeme Moore (Individual): T-39th, +18
- Hannia Gastelum Cedano (Individual): T-41st, +19
- Taylor Pacheco (Individual): T-56th, +25
UP NEXT
The Braun Intercollegiate closes out the Salukis' fall schedule. Southern Illinois will return to competition on Feb. 6 at the Treasure Coast Invitational in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
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