Junior Matt Maskel led the Illinois State mens golf team at the fourth annual BransonCreek Invitational, carding a four over 217 (75,74,68), to finish in third place. The Redbirds also finished in third as a team posting a 54-hole 898, behind leader Nebraska (878) and host SMS (880).
Sophomore Matt Miller finished in a tie for 10th, shooting 225 (75,73,77), followed by Kyle Vasel (232), Anthony Imburgia (234), and Kris Wildenradt (234).
Assistant coach Pina Gentile is optimistic about the final stretch before the conference championship.
This tournament was a great momentum builder as we head into the conference championships, Gentile said. We still have some improvement to make before we take on the conference, but I am confident that the guys will put everything together come tournament time.
Western Illinois finished in fourth carding a team 903, followed by Northern Iowa (912), Oral Roberts (916), St. Louis (928), South Dakota State (970), Creighton (972), and Bradley (979).
The Birds travel next to Jonesboro, Ark., to compete in the Indian Classic, March 11-12. The tournament marks the end of regular season competition for the Redbirds. The State Farm Missouri Valley Conference championship will be held in Silvis, Ill., March 25-26.
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