Schofill, Foster lead Auburn to record-setting day at Illini Women’s Invitational at Medinah

Schofill, Foster lead Auburn to record-setting day at Illini Women’s Invitational at MedinahSchofill, Foster lead Auburn to record-setting day at Illini Women’s Invitational at Medinah

MEDINAH, Ill. – After playing 36 holes of golf, Auburn's second round team score of 274 (-14) marks the second lowest 18-hole team score in program history and propelled the Tigers into fifth place as a team. Senior Megan Schofill's 7-under 65 also made it into the record books, as she tied for the second-lowest 18-hole score in team history.
 
Schofill shot 72 (E) in her first 18 holes before firing her record-setting 65 in the second round, which is now her career lowest round by one stroke. The Monticello, Fla. went bogey-free in the second round with five birdies and an eagle. Schofill is in a tie for ninth place through two rounds at 137 (-7).
 
"In this morning's round I really struggled with the par fives when I played them at 1-over, but this afternoon I was able to battle back and play solid golf," Schofill said after Monday's rounds. "Playing the par fives 4-under in round two was a huge advantage for me. I focused on what I was doing well in the morning round and capitalized on it in the afternoon round."

Junior Anna Foster led the team in the first round with a 5-under 67, which ties a career low. Her first round featured six birdies. Foster then shot 72 (E) to finish with a 36-hole score of 139 (-5), which places her in a tie for 17th individually. Foster also tied for third in the field in par four scoring, playing them at 6-under.

Redshirt freshman Casey Weidenfeld also had a great day on the prestigious course on Monday, as she shot a 3-under 69 in round one, highlighted by a front nine 32 that included four birdies, and a 71 (-1) in round two. Her opening round 69 is a new career-low and her 36-hole posting of 4-under (140) is also the lowest in her career. Weidenfeld is currently sitting in a tie for 23rd individually.
 
Freshman Sophie Anand, who is competing in the event as an individual, stayed under par in her collegiate debut on Monday. The Albany, Bahamas native posted an even-par 72 and a 1-under 71. Her two round total of 143 (-1) puts her in a tie for 35th individually.
 
Junior Elina Sinz and freshman Rachel Gourley mirrored each other on Monday, as both Tigers posted a 75 (+3) in the morning round then bounced back with a 69 (-3) in the second round. Sinz and Gourley are both in a tie for 40th individually at even-par (144). Gourley led the team in birdies with 10.
 
"I am obviously pleased with the play from all six of our young ladies," Auburn head coach Melissa Luellen said after play ended on Monday. "Megan [Schofill] took revenge of the par fives in round two after struggling this morning and was really solid this afternoon. Anna [Foster] blitzed it this morning! So great to see her start strong which is a credit to overcoming some mental hurdles. Casey [Weidenfeld] is such a consistent player and left many opportunities out there. Under-par rounds kept coming with a nice bounce back from Rachel [Gourley].  Sophie [Anand] is playing in her first collegiate tournament, and she played really consistently. Medinah is in perfect condition, with smooth greens and ideal fall temperatures. We will have to come together again as a team to knock on the door. This group is learning and growing daily. Lots of opportunities for growth on Tuesday."
 
As a team, Auburn's two round score of 557 (-19) is good enough for fifth place in the field of 15 teams. Auburn finished four shots ahead of rival Georgia and nine shots ahead of conference foe Tennessee. The Tigers are also 12 strokes clear of the 10th ranked team in the nation according to Golfweek, Oklahoma State. Auburn trails rival Alabama by one shot and is six shots back of the leader, San Jose State.
 
Like Monday's format, Tuesday's final round will be a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. CT. Auburn's team participants will be spread across holes four, five, and six and will be paired with players from rivals Alabama and Georgia.
 
Live scoring of the final round will be available here as well as on the Golfstat mobile app.
 
Auburn Individuals:
 

PlacementPlayerRound 1Round 2Total Score
T9Megan Schofill72 (E)65 (-7)137 (-7)
T17Anna Foster67 (-5)72 (E)139 (-5)
T23Casey Weidenfeld69 (-3)71 (-1)140 (-4)
T35Sophie Anand (I)72 (E)71 (-1)143 (-1)
T40Rachel Gourley75 (+3)69 (-3)144 (E)
T40Elina Sinz75 (+3)69 (-3)144 (E)