Austin, Texas – The Challenge at Onion Creek, as well as the 2009 fall season, wrapped up for the Illinois women’s golf team Tuesday. Illinois placed 17th of 21 teams after shooting a final round 302 to go 43-over par. After finishing the final holes for the second round, the Illini were tied for 11th at 21-over par going into the third round, totaling a 294 on the round.

"We were tied for fourth after the first round in a very challenging course,” head coach Renee Slone said. “We were ahead of many of the teams ranked higher than us. However, we again weren’t able to maintain the consistency. We have proven we can play with these teams. Our focus in the off-season will be to bring it all three rounds.”

Junior Raquel Hopton (218) fired a second round score of 76 and a final round score of 75 to finish in a tie for 32nd, only eight strokes over par. Sophomores Samantha Sloan (221) and Kaitlyn Wampler (221) both finished 11-over par, with Sloan shooting 71-78 on the final two rounds and Wampler tallying 71-75 on the final two rounds, finishing in a tie for 53rd.

Sophomore Katelyn Dilger (225), shot rounds of 76-74 and finished at 15-over par. Sophomore Nora Lucas (230) tallied rounds of 78 and 79 and finished at 20-over par, rounding out the Orange and Blue.

Sloan, Wampler and Dilger all fired their career best low round score during the tournament, while each of the five players posted their career best low score for a tournament.