The Illinois State mens golf team, led by sophomore Matt Miller, started the day off strong in second place after the first round of the Branson Creek Invitational, carding a 299. The Birds fell one spot after a second round 302 to finish with a team total 601, good for third, behind Nebraska (583) and host SMS (590).
Miller carded a 36-hole 148 (75,73), to finish in a tie for fifth place. Junior Matt Maskel sat one stroke behind Miller with a 149 (75,74), tied for seventh place. Senior Kyle Vasel (153), sophomore Anthony Imburgia (154), and Kristopher Wildenradt (161), rounded out the Redbird line up. Senior Denny Bull, competing as an individual, shot 150 (80,70) finished in a tie for ninth place.
The Birds sit in third going into Tuesdays final 18 holes, a position that assistant coach Pina Gentile looks to improve upon.
We played solid golf today and it shows, Gentile said. I am still waiting for the round that I know the guys are capable of. We have an opportunity to come out tomorrow swinging and we look to make a move into second place.
Behind the Birds are Western Illinois (613), Northern Iowa (617), Oral Roberts (623), St. Louis (624), South Dakota State (652), Bradley (657), and Creighton (658).
Everyone has to contribute a low score for us to win tournaments, Gentile said. It is important that we finish off strong tomorrow and take that momentum into our final tournament before the conference championship.
The Redbirds return to action Tues., at 8:30 a.m. to finish the final 18.
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