CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Illinois State men's golf team started strong over the opening two rounds of the Missouri Valley Conference Championship at the par-72, 7,242-yard Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
The Redbirds are in second place tie with Southern Illinois, 19 strokes behind leader Bradley after shooting a 21-over-par 309 in the first round and an 9-over-par 297 in the second for a 606. The Redbirds also have two golfers currently sitting in the top 10 on the individual leaderboard over the first two rounds.
Junior David Rauer is currently in a tie for fifth place after shooting a 5-over-par 77 (38-39) in the first round, followed by an impressive even-par 72 (35-37) in the second round. His performance also included six total birdies over the first two rounds.
Sophomore David Perkins is one stroke behind Rauer in ninth place on the individual leaderboard after tallying a 5-over-par 77 (38-39) in the first round and a 1-over-par 73 (37-36) in the second round. The sophomore also fired two total birdies in each round.
Junior Trent Wallace is currently in a tie for sixteenth place after shooting a 5-over-par 77 (40-37) in round one and a 4-over-par 76 (35-41) in round two. He also tallied four total birdies on the first day.
Senior Zach Burry sits one stroke behind Wallace a 6-over-par 78 (39-39) in the first round and a 4-over-par 76 (37-39) in the second round. He is currently in 22nd place on the individual leaderboard, including 6 total birdies.
Senior Jason Marrs shot a 7-over-par 79 (41-38) in the opening round, followed by a 6-over-par 78 (43-35) in the second round. He fired six total birdies and is currently in 27th place on the individual leaderboard.
"It's hard not to be disappointed in how we played knowing what we are capable of, but we have to give Bradley credit for the team effort they displayed today," said head coach Ray Kralis. "We have quite a hole to dig out of, but we plan to compete to the end. Too many crazy things happen in sports, and as they say, it isn't over until it is over."
The Redbirds will compete in the final round of play Tuesday beginning with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and will look to secure a spot in the NCAA Regional Tournament with a win.
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