Sept. 18, 2007
Lawrence, Kan. -
The Illinois State men's golf team came back on the final day of the Kansas Invitational, at the Alvamar Golf Club and fired a day two score of 295. Each of the Redbirds came back from a tough first day and recorded rounds in the 70's.
"Each of the guys stepped up today and really responded," said head coach Ray Kralis. "We were not happy with the way we played yesterday and the guys answered."
Led by junior Ben Murphy's final round 72, each of the Redbirds moved up the individual side of the leader board. Murphy's three-round-total of 225 (79, 74, 72) helped him progress in the standings from 48th place following round one, to a 22nd place finish.
"Ben was definitely our most consistent player this week," said Kralis. "With the loss of a player like Matt Miller (2007 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year) we are going to need someone to step up be a leader. We know we are a young team, but we also know that we are capable of playing much better than we did yesterday.."
Two other Redbirds finished in the top-60. True freshman Will Cullen shot a three-round-total of 230 (80, 77, 73) on his way to finishing tied for 50th in his collegiate debut. Redshirt sophomore Joe Emerich's three-round-total of 158 (76, 79, 77) earned him a 58th place finish.
The Redbirds finished the Kansas Invitational in 16th place. Houston won the event by six shots with a three-round-total of 888 (304, 292, 292). The Cougars also claimed the individual victory as junior Justin Irwin shot a three-round-total of 215 (74, 70, 71).
The Redbirds return to action Oct. 1-2 at the John Dallio Memorial at Ruffled Feathers Golf Course in Lemont, Ill.
