March 26, 2007
Results
STEVINSON RANCH, Calif. -
Senior Matt Miller fired a second-round four-under-par 68 to lead the Illinois State men's golf team after two rounds at the Ninth Annual Colorado/Stevinson Ranch Invitational Monday in Stevinson Ranch, Calif. Miller ended the first day tied for second place, shooting a two-round total of three-under-par 141 (73, 68).
Paced by Miller's performance, the Redbirds ended day one tied for fourth place with three other teams, firing a team total of 598 (296, 302). After competing in near perfect conditions in the first round, participants battled gusts of wind that topped out at 35 mph by the end of the second round.
Assistant coach Pina Gentile, who made the trip with the team, was proud of the way the team handled the difficult conditions during Monday's second round.
"We left some shots on the golf course, but the guys were able to persevere and hang in there," said Gentile. "I was proud of the way they handled the circumstances. Matt (Miller) didn't feel like he was striking the ball well but got the most out of his first round. He was pretty fired up, especially after his bogey on the final hole.
"Matt came out in the second round locked in and focused. He birdied his first three holes, and it set the tone for the rest of the round. He was ready to go and put up a low round."
After shooting a first-round one-under-par 71, sophomore Joe Emerich slipped on the leaderboard, ending the day tied for 35th (71, 82) with teammate Ben Murphy (75, 78) with a two-round total of 153. Freshman Drew Miller finished with a two-round total of 155 (77, 78) and tied for 48th. Freshman Tommy Bliefnick finished day one tied for 52nd, firing a total of 156 (78, 78).
Missouri Valley Conference member Wichita State ended the first day of play in first place with a team total of 572 (281, 291). The Shockers were backed by Cameron Bishop, who is in first place individually with a total of five-under-par 139 (69, 70). Host Colorado is in second place, while Missouri ended day one in third place with a total of 596. Kansas, UC-Santa Barbara and UC-Davis are all tied with Illinois State in fourth, all shooting a total of 598.
"Our goal for tomorrow is to move up in the standings," said Gentile. "We want to come out and play the best that we are capable of. I want the guys to come out and compete."
Tuesday's final round will begin with another shotgun start at 8 a.m.
