Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Southern Illinois University
Babs Steffens Invitational
Back in Action: Saluki Golf Returns to Florida
02/22/2026 | 11:01:00 | Women's Golf
The Salukis are headed back to Florida for another tournament, a familiar place they were just in two weeks ago. This time, they will head to DeLand, Florida, to compete in the Babs Steffens Invitational.Â
They completed their first campaign at the Advanced Golf Collegiate Invitational on Tuesday in Palm City, Florida. The Salukis finished 17th but showed major improvement from Day 1 to Day 3. After accomplishing her highest tournament finish of the year at the Powercat Invitational in October, junior Kayla Sayyalinh continued her strong play, finishing ninth in the ACG. She was also named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week. She will look to build on her momentum and put together another strong performance.
Coach Sam Sambursky is excited for the team's next challenge.
"We're looking forward to getting back to Florida and competing. After two solid weeks of practice and qualifying, this group is prepared and eager to put our preparation into action."
The 2026 Babs Steffens Invitational will be conducted Monday-Tuesday, February 23-24 at DeBary Country Club in DeBary, Fla.  The 16-team field includes collegiate women's golf programs representing host Stetson, Appalachian State, Bryant, Drake, Georgia State, Keiser, LeMoyne, Mount Mercy, UNC Asheville, Palm Beach State, Seminole State, Southern Illinois, Southern Utah, Troy and West Georgia.
The teams will conduct a practice round on Sunday, Feb. 22.  The tournament features a 54-hole stroke play format. The first 36-holes (two rounds) will take place on Monday, Feb. 23 and the final 18-hole round on Tuesday, Feb. 24.  Each team will be represented by five golfers with the top four scores from each round counting toward the team's overall score.Â
DeBary Country Club features a 6,085-yard, par 72 layout. Â Host Stetson claimed the last two team titles. Â Last season, the Hatters earned a 15-stroke decision over runner-up Jacksonville with a 12-over par 876. Â Seton Hall finished third and Queens University rounded out the top four.
Live results will be available throughout the tournament by clicking here.
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Players Mentioned
