University of Illinois
Illini Women's Invitational at Medinah
Illini Finish Fourth at Medinah
October 13, 2026 | Women's Golf
MEDINAH, Ill. – Illinois women's golf finished fourth at the Illini Women's Invitational, posting a team total of 851 (-13) from the Medinah Country Club after a final round of 291 (+3) on Tuesday.
Sofia Vargas closed with a 3-under 69 to finish second individually at 203 (-13). She played the back nine in 33 (-3), highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 16th, and added birdies on holes 3, 4, 12 and 15. The Illini junior tallied an eagle in all three rounds at the Illinois-hosted event. After rounds of 67 (-5) and 67 (-5), she held a top-two spot through the tournament and finished two strokes off the lead.
Vargas' 3.77 scoring average on par-4s ranked second among the field as did her 4.42 mark on par-5s.
Tavia Burgess shot an even-par 72 on Tuesday and finished tied for 37th at 218 (+2), moving up eight spots. She made five birdies, including three on the par 5s at Nos. 4, 7 and 16, and finished with a 36 on both nines.
Alexis Myers and Meadow Tian also tied for 37th at 218 (+2), each shooting a 75 (+3) in the final round. Tian's 45 holes at par tied for the best mark in the field. Erica Lee carded a 77 (+5) and finished tied for 34th at 217 (+1).
Competing as individuals, Eileen Lee shot a 71 (-1) in the final round to tie for 26th at 215 (-1), up three spots from the second round. Her round included birdies on Nos. 8, 12, 14, 17 and 18. Lisa Copeland tied for 51st at 220 (+4) after a 73 (+1), and Helen Liu tied for 59th at 223 (+7) after a 72 (E), climbing 11 spots.
Illinois began the day at 560 (-16), tied at the top of the leaderboard, before the 291 (+3) in the final round moved the squad into fourth place for the final finish. Indiana took home the team crown, shooting 24-under, followed by Ole Miss (-23) and Missouri (-17) ahead of the Orange and Blue.
The Fighting Illini led the field in par-5 scoring average, shooting 19-under on those holes for an average of 4.68. Illinois also led the field with three eagles and 179 holes at par.
The Illini return to action at The French Broad Collegiate Invitational in Arden, N.C. from Oct. 26-27.
| Place | Illini Women's Invitational | R1 | R2 | R3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th | Illinois | 277 (-11) | 283 (-5) | 291 (+3) | 851 (-13) |
| 2nd | Sofia Vargas | 67 (-5) | 67 (-5) | 69 (-3) | 203 (-13) |
| T-26th | Eileen Lee (IND) | 71 (-1) | 73 (+1) | 71 (-1) | 215 (-1) |
| T-34th | Erica Lee | 70 (-2) | 70 (-2) | 77 (+5) | 217 (+1) |
| T-37th | Alexis Myers | 70 (-2) | 73 (+1) | 75 (+3) | 218 (+2) |
| T-37th | Meadow Tian | 70 (-2) | 73 (+1) | 75 (+3) | 218 (+2) |
| T-37th | Tavia Burgess | 73 (+1) | 73 (+1) | 72 (E) | 218 (+2) |
| T-51st | Lisa Copeland (IND) | 74 (+2) | 73 (+1) | 73 (+1) | 220 (+4) |
| T-59th | Helen Liu (IND) | 75 (+3) | 76 (+4) | 72 (E) | 223 (+7) |
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