JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Western Illinois women's golf team concluded play in the 2014 Benbow Invitational Tuesday (March 11) with a 7th-place finish. The Leathernecks opened the invite with a 348 in the opening round before firing a 329 in the second round.

Newberry State finished in first, followed by Cleveland State and Alabama State who finished second and third, respectively. IUPUI's Ana Fernandez de Mes won the individual title with a 149 (76-73).

The Leathernecks were led by Ashley Jeffers who finished in a tie for 11th after carding a 164 (85-79).

Anna Cullinan and Kristi Tschudin each finished in the 'Top 30'. Cullinan registered a 167 (86-81) and tied for 17th, while Tschudin posted a 171 (86-85) and tied for 29th.

Tschudin provided the highlight of the day, acing hole nine on the course.

The two other Leathernecks in the lineup where Julie Whalen, who finished tied for 34th with a 175 (91-84), and Jessica Knepp, who tallied a 188 (93-95) and finished in 55th-place.

 Four WIU golfers competed as individuals. Jessica Schultz finished tied for 41st with a 178 (89-89), Allison Farrell recorded a 179 (91-88) and tied for 43rd, Marissa Juliana concluded the event in 48th with a 182 (98-84), and Abby Ball finished tied for 52nd with a 186 (93-93).

Women's golf continues play tomorrow in Florida with another Butler hosted event, the 2014 Bulldog Florida Invitational at Windsor Parke Golf Club.