NORMAL, Ill. (September 6, 2021) – Sophomore Abby Thielbar turned in a one-over-par 73 to lead the charge for the Loyola University Chicago women's golf team on the final day of play at the Redbird Invitational in Normal, Ill.
 
The Ramblers finished their stay at the Weibring Golf Course (par 72, 6,022 yards) with their top 18-hole team total of the last two days, turning in a 304 to finish 13^th overall with a 918 (307-307-304), eight shots in front of Missouri Valley Conference rival Indiana State (307-311-308=926). 
 
Eastern Kentucky (284-289-288=861) laid claim to the team title, while IUPUI's Amelie Svejda shot a blistering eight-under-par 208 (70-67-71) to take home individual medalist honors.
 
"It felt great to be back out in competition and to see where our scores stacked up not only against other teams, but from previous years in our program," Loyola head women's golf coach Carly Werwie said.  "I think this is one of the best starts we've seen in recent history and it's a result of the changes we have been making both mentally and physically in our games.  Grace and Jolie played steady all week, and that first tournament is always a huge learning experience for freshmen.  I was proud to see how they adapted and adjusted to their first collegiate event.  Abby played really steady for us and made a ton of birdies.  When she gets her putter going, she is solid on the greens.  It was good to see Caroline bounce back today as well."

Thielbar knocked down a team-high four putts for birdie today en route to her aforementioned finish, racking up 12 total birdies for the event, a mark that tied for first overall amongst the field of 89 competitors.  The Zionsville, Ind. native closed play with a 226 (77-76-73) to earn share of 25^th place.
 
Just as impressive during Loyola's time in Central Illinois was freshman Grace Suter, who finished alongside Thielbar in 25^th with a 226 (73-79-74).  Bolstered by a one-over-par front nine, Suter, out of Oconomowoc, Wis., carded a final-round two-over-par 74.
 
Like Thielbar, junior Caroline Dayton fired her top round of the event during today's final round, posting a four-over-par 76 as she tied for 62^nd at 234 (79-79-76).  Senior Lorenza Martinez used an 81 to land as part of a tie for 68^th with a 235 (80-74-81), while fellow senior Jenny Myslinski rounded out the Rambler starting five with a 240 (78-78-84) following an 84 that saw her finish tied for 76^th.
 
Freshman Jolie Brochu, who competed as an individual, wrapped up a promising start to her collegiate career, tying for 55^th at 232 (81-74-77) after handing in a five-over-par 77.
 
"Overall, we had more scores below the 75 range and that's just the start of what I think can be great things ahead for this team," Werwie concluded.  We'll continue to work on a few things from this event, but I'm eager to get back at our next tournament at Ball State after seeing the progress we are making as a program."

Loyola returns to action September 20-21 at the Cardinal Classic in Muncie, Ind.