April 2, 2007
Results
HOLLISTER, Mo. -
Freshman Tommy Bliefnick fired a first-round three-under-par 68 to lead the Illinois State men's golf team after two rounds at the Branson Creek Invitational Monday in Hollister, Mo. Bliefnick ended the day in first place, shooting a one-under-par 141 (68, 73) to claim a one shot advantage heading into Tuesday's final-round at the Branson Creek Golf Club.
Paced by Bliefnick's performance, the Redbirds ended day one in second place, firing a team total of 583 (287, 296). The `Birds sit only four shots out of the lead, as host Missouri State is in the top spot with a team total of 579 (285, 294).
Head coach Ray Kralis was pleased with Bliefnick's and the Redbirds' effort during the first day, believing the team is in a position to take home the tournament title.
"Tommy had a phenomenal opening round," said Kralis. "We got off to a great start in the morning, with a great team effort. Tommy has been knocking on the door for a while and has been swinging the club extremely well. I'm excited heading into tomorrow and it is a good feeling being in the hunt and having the ammo to get it done.
"Tommy has always had something special about him," added Kralis. "He absolutely hates to lose and has been working hard and stayed patient. Matt Miller's success has been benefiting everyone around him - everyone feels comfortable playing with him and would like to have the same level of success."
After bogeying the opening hole of the morning round, Bliefnick strung together three consecutive birdies until an increase in wind gusts combined with the natural elevation changes caused challenges in club selection and execution across the field. Senior Matt Miller, who is coming off his third career victory at last week's Stevinson Ranch Invitational, was able to rebound despite the conditions in the second round by shooting a two-under-par 69. Miller finished the day three shots behind Bliefnick in ninth place with a total of 144 (75, 69).
Sophomore Joe Emerich fired back-to-back scores of 75 to finish the first day tied for 21st with a two-round total of 150. Sitting one shot behind Emerich, sophomore Ben Murphy fired a two-round total of 151 (72, 79) and is in a tie for 26th. Rounding out the lineup, freshman Drew Miller ended the day tied for 33rd with a total of 153 (72, 81).
Senior Ryan Brown and sophomore Kyle Bragg also traveled with the team, competing as individuals. Brown ended day one tied for 19th with a two-round score of 149 (74, 75), while Bragg finished with a total of 155 (79, 76) and tied for 40th.
Western Illinois finished the first 36 holes in third place, one shot behind the `Birds and shooting a team total of 584 (293, 291). Northern Iowa is in fourth place, while Creighton finished in fifth with a total of 596. Fellow Missouri Valley Conference members Bradley and Southern Illinois finished in ninth and 10th, respectively.
"No one is down or discouraged after finishing up today's rounds," said Kralis. "I think the experiences we have acquired in the last few weeks will serve us well as we prepare to compete for the title tomorrow. Everyone is determined and has a calmness about them, which is something that I like to see as a coach. We have so many good things that are moving us in the right direction and we have to control the things that we can control and take care of business."
Tuesday's final round will begin at 8:30 a.m.
