Red Wolves Conclude Season at NAIA Nationals Championships
SILVIS, Ill. – The IU East women's golf team concluded their postseason run on Wednesday as they finished Day 2 of the NAIA National Championships in 27th place.
The Red Wolves improved overall by three strokes from the day before with a 349.
"Another beautiful day at this awesome venue," head coach Billy Mullin said. "It is an honor and privilege to play for a national championship. Very few get this opportunity and we have now done it in back-to-back years."
Brooklynn Cromwell shot the lowest score for the Red Wolves. She shot a 91 Wednesday and combined for a +34 in both days. Senior Annie Gillock was one shot behind Cromwell with a +35.
"Annie Gillock played her last round for the Red Wolves today," coach Mullin said. "She has been what a Red Wolf golfer is all about in that she has excelled academically, athletically, socially, and has been an excellent leader. She leaves behind an excellent legacy from her time here. I have a lifelong friend now."
Annie tallied two birdies and four pars in her final round for IU East.
"Today was another great day to be on such a beautiful golf course," Gillock said. "My game plan going into today was to just hit some good golf shots, let the score be what it was going to be, and soak in the moment. I got off to a really tough start and that rough start stuck with me throughout my first 9 holes but I finally found a sense of normalcy and rhythm for the last 9 holes. I am proud of all my teammates for sticking it out and grinding on such a tough golf course and in such warm temperatures."
Olivia Sanders finished the tournament with a +30, followed by Jalyn Bruns (+37), and Katie Craig (+39).
"Better day out there as a team as we improved by the strokes. Personally, I improved 12 strokes at this tough course with little room for error but the field was good," Sanders said. "We are a little disappointed we did not make the cut but as a team, we have to keep in mind that it is a PGA course we just played. It is not meant to be easy. Annie will be missed by all.
The Red Wolves will look to 3-peat the RSC Tournament to head back to the NAIA Championship next season. But they will have to do it without Gillock.
"Not everyone gets to do what we do," Gillock said. "Not everyone gets to step onto the national stage and compete. It has been an absolute pleasure to be a Red Wolf for the last four years and have teammates that I have had. This program has done nothing but grow exponentially since I came in as a freshman and it's not going to stop anytime soon. I do want to take a moment and thank Billy Mullin and Brooklynn Cromwell for everything they have done for me during my time here.
"Without Billy, I wouldn't be the golfer I am today or even the person I am today. Brooklynn and I came together in a big class of freshmen and are the only two remaining. We have been through it all together and I know we have a lifelong friendship. Once again, thank you for everything, IU East women's golf team. It has been such a good ride."