NORMAL, Ill. - The Fighting Leatherneck women's golf team concluded action in the 2013 Redbird Invitational Monday (Sept. 9). Senior Kristi Tschudin led Western with a 223 (72-70-81) and finished in a tie for ninth-place overall.

"Kristi played an excellent first day of her senior year to begin our 2013 campaign, and finished top 10 for the tournament," said head coach Lia Biehl Lukkarinen. "Today wasn't her best round, but we can build on those great first day scores."

After shooting an even-par 72 in the opening round of the invite, Tschudin carded a career-best 70 in round two - a round that included four birdies, 12 pars, and two bogies. The three-round score of 223 ties her career-low as Tschudin also shot a 223 in the 2012 Summit League Championships.

Ashley Jeffers shot her best round of the invite on the final day. The junior finished each of her day-one rounds with 80s before carding a 76 in round three.

"Ashley finished the tournament well, so I was pleased with her play in the final round, and freshman Anna Cullinan had a solid second round for us," continued Lukkarinen. 

Anna Cullinan and Julie Whalen finished 65th and tied for 67th, respectively. Cullinan finished with a 243 (83-76-84) while Whalen tallied a 245 (81-82-82).

Rounding out the Leathernecks' team was Jessica Schultz who finished tied for 77th with a score of 251 (81-84-86).

Allison Farrell, who was golfing as an individual, finished with a 257 (87-83-87).

"As a team, I saw some shades of brilliance, but there are a couple of key areas where we can improve. Overall, we are young, we had some good rounds, and the field in the ISU Redbird was really strong. We will reinforce our good areas and make some adjustments before heading to SIU-E in a couple of weeks," concluded Lukkarinen.

The Leathernecks finished the invite in 12th place after finishing the invite with a 945 (314-308-323).

Toledo earned its second straight Redbird Invitational crown after carding a team score of 890 (297-295-298), while Ball State's Jenna Hague finished first individually with a 215 (72-70-73).

Western returns to action September 23-24 with the SIU-Edwardsville Invitational.