Nowlin helps Illinois women's golf secure first NCAA finals berth

May 8, 2019 NCAA Regionals - Final Round in East Lansing, Mich. Photo Credit: Matt Mitchell / Michigan State AthleticsEAST LANSING, Mich. —Tristyn Nowlin started her Illinois career firing a 4-under 67 in the opening round of the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship on Sept. 12, 2016. That mark has stood as the Illini junior's best ever score since and through nearly 30 tournaments.

More than 21 / 2 years after setting that personal best, Nowlin matched it in the pressure cooker environment of the final round of the NCAA East Lansing Regional. Her 5-under 67 moved her into 10th place individually and helped Illinois finish fifth and advance to the NCAA championships for the first time in…