April 9, 2007
Results
JONESBORO, Ark. -
Senior Matt Miller fired back-to-back rounds of one-under-par 71, finishing the first day of the 11th Annual ASU Indian Classic tied for 11th in Jonesboro, Ark. Miller ended Monday with a two-round total of 142 (71, 71), pacing the Redbirds to a tie for eighth with Missouri Valley Conference foe Missouri State.
While the Redbirds completed the second round with a team total of 577 (289, 288), only nine shots separate the third through 10th place teams heading into the final round at the Sage Meadows Golf Club.
Head coach Ray Kralis acknowledged that the `Birds played well, believing that the team will be able to improve its putting stroke during Tuesday's round.
"I was very pleased with the performance from the guys today," said Kralis. "I liked the team's effort because it's always nice to get contributions from everyone. We played a lot of good golf. The greens were a little difficult though, causing problems for a lot of players. I know our guys felt that they struggled in making putts and left some shots on the course.
"But heading into tomorrow, I am excited because the guys played well from tee to green. We go into the final round with the idea that we will get hot and get some putts to fall. We will have to remain patient, and not let the greens frustrate us."
Sophomore Ben Murphy also carded a strong performance, shooting a second-round even-par 72 to end the day tied for 33rd with a total of one-over-par 145 (73, 72). Teammate Drew Miller finished only shot behind Murphy, tallying a total of two-over-par 146 (73, 73). Senior Ryan Brown rebounded after a disappointing first-round score by firing a even-par 72 in the second to end the day with a total of 151 (79, 72) and tied for 61st. Sophomore Joe Emerich shot an even-par 72 in the first 18-holes, but ended the second with a total of 152 (72, 80) and tied for 69th place.
New Orleans ended the day in the lead after firing a second-round team score of ten-under-par 278. The Privateers (564) hold a two-shot lead over South Florida, who finished with a total of 566. Troy (571) finished day one in third place, while Jacksonville State shot a total of 572 and is in fourth. Louisiana-Tech and Louisiana-Lafayette ended tied for fifth, shooting a team total of 574.
Joe Toledo of New Orleans has the individual lead, shooting a two-round score of nine-under-par 135 (68, 67). Toledo leads by one shot over Austin Peay State's Erik Barnes, who carded a two-round score of 136 (68, 68).
"We will be giving it our best shot tomorrow," said Kralis. "We know that with so many teams left in the hunt, it will provide for a competitive yet exciting day. It will be a shootout between all the teams looking to make a move in the team standings."
Tuesday's final round will begin with another shotgun start at 8 a.m.
