IU East wraps up 2023-24 campaign at NAIA Women's Golf National Championship
Story Courtesy of IU East Sports Information
SILVIS, Ill. - The Indiana University East women's golf team had its season come to an end at the NAIA National Championships on Wednesday, May 15.
IU East was 28th out of 30 teams with a score of 360-339-699 on the TPC Deere Run course. The Red Wolves didn't make the cut to play in the final two rounds of the event, which continues Thursday and Friday.
"We had a 21-shot improvement today," IU East coach Billy Mullin said. "There was much nicer weather today and much better play."
Keiser University currently tops the field with a score of 318-290-608. Individually, Hoi Ki Lau of Keiser University leads the way at 79-68-147.
Brooklynn Cromwell posted the top score for IU East in the second round with an 81.
"Today I got to play my last round in beautiful weather and at a beautiful course," Cromwell said. "Despite playing better than my first round, those pesky doubles crept in again, which definitely is leaving me disappointed about how my play in my last tournament turned out. I'm still grateful for the chance to compete here once again."
Cromwell had a two-day total of 95-81-176 as she was tied for 123rd overall.
"As I strolled through the final holes, it hit me that this was my last hurrah in college golf, especially with Billy keeping me company on those holes," said Cromwell, who was the 2024 River States Conference Golfer of the Year. "I'm not usually one to get all emotional, but a few tears definitely made an appearance after the last putt and hearing my teammates one more time."
Katie Craig had the second-best effort on Wednesday for a total of 92-84-176 to end in tie with Cromwell in 123rd place.
"I played much better today than I did the first round," Craig said. "I hit the ball very solid, but my putting was not my best today, so I definitely lost some shots there."
"The course was beautiful to play, and I'm glad we all got to have this experience," Craig continued. "I'm very proud of this team, and thank you to Brooklyn Cromwell, and I wish her the best going forward."
Mullin was pleased with his team's performance in the second round as IU East was making its third straight appearance in the national tournament.
"I'm really proud how we bounced back from yesterday's performance and played with pride," Mullin said of the three-time RSC Champions. "It's always a great experience to play in nationals."
"Brooklynn and Katie both played well on this challenging course today," Mullin added. "Ironically, both of them chipped in for birdie today."
Liv Sanders was the highest finisher for the Red Wolves with an 85-86-171 as she tied for 107th.
The other scores for IU East were Jalyn Bruns 90-88-178 (T129th) and Lainey Jackson 93-95-188 (T143rd).
Cromwell was the only senior on this year's team.
"It's also bittersweet to see Brooklynn play her last round as a Red Wolf," Mullin said. "She leaves behind quite a legacy here at IU East and joins Bre Nowak and Jo Wisecup as truly one of the great players that has played here. She has set a good example for all future players to follow in regard to her leadership and work ethic. We are going to miss her, but the cupboard isn't bare, and we bring back a very capable group next season."