Oct. 17, 2005
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -
After day one at the Rivercut Invitational in Springfield, Mo., the Illinois State men's golf team is tied for second-place after firing a two-round total of 589 (295, 294). Senior Kris Wildenradt leads the `Birds after firing a four-under-par 68 in the second-round to finish tied for sixth-place with a two-round total of 145 (77, 68).
Head coach Ray Kralis believes that the `Birds are capable of capturing the team title.
"Everyone has a good mind set to go out and win," said Kralis. "I think that if we put up some solid rounds we can take care of business tomorrow. I expect our veterans to come out strong."
Junior Matt Miller fired a first-round one-over-par 73 and finished the day tied for 11th with a two-round total of 147 (73, 74). Freshman Ben Murphy also fired a first-round one-over-par 73 and finished the day with a two-round total of 149 (73, 76) and tied for 21st. Senior Matt Maskel carded a two-round total of 153 (77, 76), tied for 38th with teammate Chris Eddy as he also shot a two-round total of 153 (72, 81).
Western Illinois finished day one in the lead, shooting a team total of 579 (286, 293). The Leathernecks were paced by Nick Kwaterski, who sits in first-place after firing a first-round four-under-par 68 to finish with a two-round total of 140 (68, 72).
Kralis feels that Murphy is capable of posting a low score in the final round.
"Murphy might be a freshman on campus, but not when he steps on the golf course," said Kralis. "I'm looking for him to come out tomorrow and make a statement."
The Redbirds resume play on Tuesday beginning at 8:30 a.m., for the final 18 holes of the tournament.
