In the Illinois State/Illinois match today Denny Bull and Matt Maskel took Illini players to the last hole, but fell short of winning the match at Coral Creek Club in Placida, Fla. The Redbirds lost under match play conditions against 19th ranked Illinois.
Illinois State head coach Harland Kilborn was pleased with Illinois States effort, and feels the Birds gained good experience for the upcoming spring season.
We gave them a run for their money, Kilborn said. It came down to crucial putts and they were able to make them. If you look at the drives and irons, Illinois State played solid.
This solid play led to several close finishes. In addition to Bull and Maskel, all of the individual matches were close. Brian Anderson, Kyle Vasel and Kris Wildenradt all ended their rounds down three with two holes to go, while Dustin Edwards finished with three holes left and down four.
This match gave the Birds their first opportunity to play outside and practice on their short game. Kilborn feels this competition is just what the Birds needed to start their season.
It was good practice and good one on one competition with a great team, Kilborn said. This is a good start and lets us know where our strengths and weaknesses are against tough competition.
The next time the Birds compete is March 1 and 2 in San Antonio, Texas, at the Roadrunner Intercollegiate.
