Fennell Leads Redbirds at Medinah as ISU Takes on Elite Field

Image Courtesy of Tyler Coe

NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State’s Elise Fennell is two-under through 36 holes and tied for 20th to lead a trio of Redbirds at the Illinois Women’s Invitational at Medinah Country Club, with 18 holes left to play. Reagan Kennedy sits at 146, tied for 51st, and senior Dani Grace Schrock is 10-over after rounds of 80–74. UCF leads the team race, followed by Illinois, Auburn and Indiana.

Head coach Jackie Szymoniak said the group entered the week with a “winner’s mindset” after working on approaches inside 125 yards and their short game in anticipation of thicker rough.

“We go into every tournament with a winner’s mindset and know that we can compete with the best when we play our game,” she said, adding that reps out of heavy lies were a point of emphasis.

Szymoniak has been “encouraged by the fight” this fall, noting the team’s ability to post better second rounds on 36-hole days. The coach pointed to strong scoring capability across the roster, including Fennell’s closing 69 at the Inverness Intercollegiate, as a key ingredient for competing with top programs. “Knowing that anyone on the team can post a low round on any given day is a big positive and a necessary weapon,” she said.

Beyond the leaderboard, Szymoniak wants poise and trust. “When our team plays with confidence and poise, the score will take care of itself,” she said. “A key for us is to trust our talents and commit to the shot at hand.”

With a national field on a championship venue, Szymoniak positioned Medinah as a gauge for the rest of the season. “Our team members want to test themselves on championship golf courses and against top talent,” she said. “Every day is an opportunity to improve… The more we learn now, the better prepared we can be for the rest of the season.”

The Redbirds have also navigated early adversity. Szymoniak highlighted the group’s chemistry and day-to-day competitiveness. “I hope Redbird fans are as excited about this team as I am,” she said. “They pick each other up and come to practice ready to commit, compete, and get better day in and day out. I know the best is ahead.”

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