April 3, 2007
Results
HOLLISTER, Mo. -
Senior Matt Miller fired a final-round three-under-par 68, winning his fourth career tournament and third of the season to drive the Illinois State men's golf team to its second title of its 2006-07 season at the Branson Creek Invitational Tuesday in Hollister, Mo. Miller posted his second consecutive win by shooting a three-round total of one-under-par 212 (75, 69, 68) at the Branson Creek Golf Club, leading the Redbirds to a 10 stroke victory over Missouri Valley Conference rival and tournament-host Missouri State.
Miller's final-round score guided the Redbirds to their second victory this year, with the other coming at the Bradley Fall Classic on Oct. 30-31. The `Birds finished with a third-round tally of 293, shooting 12 shots better than any other participating team and giving Illinois State a total of 876 (287, 296, 293) for the tournament. The `Birds score of 876 was also the lowest 54-hole total for the team this season.
The Valley Player of the Year candidate's fourth career individual title followed his one-stroke victory at last week's Colorado/Stevinson Ranch Invitational in Stevinson Ranch, Calif. Miller, who also won medalist honors at the 12th Annual UTSA Intercollegiate on Feb.19-20, excelled throughout the two-day tournament despite the windy conditions combined with battling an illness.
Head coach Ray Kralis was proud of his team, particularly with the way Miller was able to handle the adversity and come out on top.
"I'm real proud of how the guys were able to remain competitive and pick up the victory," said Kralis. "Everybody contributed to this win and our team chemistry has been phenomenal. It was also great to see our guys be able to pick up the win at such a great golf course, because the conditions were tough. The winds really forced players to manufacture some shots, and they were able to battle all day.
"I also can't say enough about Matt's performance, he is such a tough competitor. He has never made any excuses, but during the first round he was battling an illness. He didn't feel as sharp as he normally was, but he was able to manage his game and his mind. He has meant so much to this program, because he has been doing all he can with his sticks as well as with his influence. He motivates everyone around him and he's having a great year."
After leading the tournament at the conclusion of 36 holes, freshman Tommy Bliefnick struggled on one hole, causing him to slip four spots on the leaderboard with a three-round total of 217 (68, 73, 76). However, Bliefnick tied for fifth place, which is the highest finish of his spring season as well as his career. Freshman Drew Miller rebounded in Tuesday's final 18 holes, shooting an even-par 71 to end in a tie for 16th with a three-round total of 224 (72, 81, 71). Sophomore Joe Emerich tied for 22nd with a total of 228 (75, 75, 78), while sophomore Ben Murphy finished one stroke back with a total of 229 (72, 79, 78) and tied for 27th place.
Competing as individuals, senior Ryan Brown ended the tournament in 20th with a score of 226 (74, 75, 77), while sophomore Kyle Bragg tied for 36th with a three-round total of 234 (79, 76, 79).
Missouri State finished behind the Redbirds in second place (886), while in-state rival Western Illinois finished the invitational in third, firing a team score of 889. UNI placed fourth, while Creighton rounded out the top five with a team total of 901. Bradley and Southern Illinois finished in ninth and 10th place, respectively.
The Redbirds will compete in their final tune-up before the MVC championships when they travel to Jonesboro, Ark., for the ASU Indian Classic on April 9-10.
