March 12, 2007
Results
LIMESTONE, Ala. -
Senior Matt Miller fired a second-round one-under-par 71, finishing the first day of the Samford Intercollegiate tied for third place. Miller led the Illinois State men's golf team during the first 36 holes, as the `Birds finished Monday in sixth place at Limestone Springs Golf Club in Limestone, Ala.
Miller ended his day with a two-round total of three-under-par 141 (70, 71) and is only three shots behind the tournament leader. As a team, the Redbirds shot a total of 588 (296, 292), putting them within striking distance of a top-five finish heading into tomorrow's final round.
Head coach Ray Kralis was proud of the way the team was able to stay focused throughout the opening day while competing at Limestone Springs, which has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of America's Top 100 Public Golf Courses.
"I was really proud of how the team handled themselves emotionally throughout the day," said Kralis. "They stayed confident. The pins were in some tough spots, so we had to be really patient. The course can really show its `teeth' if you aren't careful. They did great in that respect. Matt got us off to a great start in the morning, and continued his solid play in second round. With Matt only three shots back, I look for him to come out strong tomorrow and challenge for the title."
Sophomore Joe Emerich shot a first-round one-over-par 73 to end the day tied for 26th with a two-round total of 149 (73, 76). Freshman Drew Miller finished one shot behind Emerich, tied for 32nd with a total of 150 (76, 74). Freshman Tommy Bliefnick (T-39th) ended day one with a total of 152 (77, 75), while Ben Murphy rebounded after a shaky start, shooting an even-par 72 in the second-round. Murphy finished with a total of 153 (81, 72) and tied for 41st.
Eastern Kentucky sits in the lead after the first two rounds, shooting a team total of 573 (283, 290). The Colonels were led by Shaun McConnell, who grabbed the individual lead after firing a first-round four-under-par 68 to finish with a total of 138 (68, 70). New Orleans (579) finished the day in second, while Troy and Austin Peay State are tied for third-place with a team total of 580. Tennessee Tech rounded out the top-five on the leader board, firing a total of 586 and two shots ahead of the Redbirds.
Missouri Valley Conference member and in-state rival Southern Illinois also made the trip to Alabama, finishing day one tied for 11th place with a total of 618.
"We are within striking distance heading into tomorrow's final round," said Kralis. "I think that after today's second-round, we are beginning to show signs of what we are capable of as a team. We will need everybody to step it up again and put up some low rounds. However, I am confident that our guys will be able to get the job done."
The tournament concludes with tomorrow's final round, slated to begin at 9 a.m.
