Illinois State’s four-consecutive defending championship title ended Tuesday at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship when the  Missouri State women’s golf team posted a score of 910 (300-313-297) to steal the title from the Redbird defending champs.

ISU took second place with a team score of 913 (305-314-294), with a close three-stroke loss at the Country Club of Terre Haute.

ISU head coach Darby Sligh was proud of her team’s hard work and effort, despite the runner-up status.

“Even in team defeat, today was one of the proudest moments of my coaching career,” Sligh said. “This team was behind the eight ball, and fought hard to climb its way back to the top. I think today was a sneak peak of what is to come for this young squad.”

However, junior Katie Jean managed to take home the individual first-place title with a four-over-par score of 220 (74-74-72). Jean is now the 13th Redbird to achieve the individual medalist honors.

“Congratulations to Katie for a hard fought individual title. It doesn’t get any better watching someone’s hard work pay off,” Sligh said.

In the first round, the Redbirds ended in a tie for third place with a team score of 305, followed by Northern Iowa who led round one with the recorded score of 299.

On Monday, the hindered winds posed a problem for the Redbirds, as they shot down to fourth place after the second round. They tallied a 619 (305-314), while Northern Iowa was still in the lead.

Finally in the third round, the ’Birds picked up the pace and jumped two spots up from the second round for the second-place finish.

Followed by Jean was Brianna Cooper, who placed 12th and posted a score of 14-over-par 230 (76-80-74).

Sophomore Rachel Powers finished 16-over-par 232 (77-83-72) tied for 18th place, while sophomore Jordyn Wyzgowski finished the tournament in 21st place with a recorded score of a 19-over-par 235 (78-81-76).

Senior Hannah Bachman directly followed, and completed the tournament in 22nd place carding a 20-over-par 236 (81-79-76).

“Congratulations to Hannah on a solid final round as our senior captain. Her hard work kept us motivated the entire year,” Sligh said. “Finishing the year with such momentum is all we could hope for looking ahead to next year.”

After the tournament, Jean and Cooper were both named to the Valley’s All-Conference Team. Jean also received the Valley’s Elite-18 Award for the second year in a row.

Even though the Redbirds did not defend their four-year title, they still showed team pride and have a positive attitude about the future.

“We showed an immense amount of heart this weekend. That’s what Redbird golf is all about,” Jean said. “We really made a run at the championship and put pressure on the leaders all day today. I’m so proud to be a part of this team and this second-place finish will just add to our motivation and determination to regain the championship next year.”

Bachman echoed Jean’s feelings on the Valley tournament.

“As the captain of the team, although we are all obviously disappointed that we didn’t win, I couldn’t be more proud to be a Redbird today,” she said. “My teammates and I gave it all we had.”