HOLLISTER, Mo. – The Illinois State Redbirds women’s golf team is set to resume competition Monday, March 23, at the Ozarks National Invitational, hosted by Missouri State University. The three-day tournament will be held at the Ozarks National Course in Hollister, Missouri, and provides a key opportunity for the team to build on recent performances as the season progresses. Live scoring will be available through Clippd.
The Redbirds enter the invitational following a strong showing at the Valspar Augusta Invitational, where they finished 16th among a competitive field. This week’s event marks the first time the Illinois State women’s golf team will compete at the Ozarks National Invitational, adding a modern challenge to their schedule.
Redbird Lineup and Tournament Field
Illinois State will be represented by a lineup consisting of Elise Fennell, Alex Sparrow, Dani Grace Schrock, Reagan Kennedy, and Reagan Braker. The tournament field includes a diverse range of programs, with rankings as of the 2025-26 Clippd National Rankings:
- Missouri State (151)
- South Dakota (160)
- Texas El Paso (162)
- South Dakota State (165)
- Texas A&M Corpus Christi (197)
- Illinois State (208)
- Indiana State (228)
- Merrimack (242)
- Northern Iowa (246)
- Lindenwood (247)
- West Florida (27 NCAA DII)
- Drury (116 NCAA DII)
- Oklahoma City (23 NAIA)
- McLennan CC (9 NJCAA Division I)
Fennell Earns MVC Golfer of the Week Honors
Sophomore Elise Fennell’s recent performance has earned her recognition as the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Golfer of the Week. Fennell led the Redbirds at the Valspar Augusta Invitational, finishing with a three-round score of 221, which tied for 26th place. Alex Sparrow contributed a score of 232, while Reagan Kennedy finished with a 233 at the Augusta Invitational. This honor highlights Fennell’s consistent play and leadership within the team.
About the Ozarks National Course
The Ozarks National Course, designed by the team of Coore & Crenshaw, is known for its natural beauty and challenging layout. The course reflects a commitment to nature and conservation, offering a unique golfing experience in the Ozarks region. The design aims to test skilled players while providing a complementary experience to the nearby Buffalo Ridge course.
The tournament provides an vital opportunity for the Illinois State women’s golf team to compete against a diverse field and further develop their skills as they progress through the season. The team will look to build on Fennell’s recent success and continue to improve their overall performance.
Following the Ozarks National Invitational, the Redbirds will continue their season with upcoming tournaments and competitions. The team’s performance throughout the spring will be crucial as they aim to achieve their goals and represent Illinois State with pride.
Share your thoughts on the Redbirds’ season and the Ozarks National Invitational in the comments below!
