April 1, 2008
Results
HOLLISTER, Mo. -
Paced by three players in the top-10, including individual medalist Drew Miller, the Illinois State men's golf team took second place at the Branson Creek Invitational, a rain-shortened, 36-hole event that took place at the par-71, 7,036 yard Branson Creek Golf Club. The Redbirds fired a 585 (285, 300) to finish just two strokes behind host Missouri State.
Miller, who competed as an individual, posted a two-day-total of 143 (73, 70), which caught the attention of head coach Ray Kralis.
"I thought Drew played great today considering the tough conditions," Kralis said. "Although it was cold today and the wind made it challenging, he put together a great round."
Each of ISU's five team competitors earned top-25 finishes, led by freshman Jeff Kellen and sophomore Tommy Bliefnick, who finished tied for sixth and tied for 10th, respectively. Kellen posted a two-round-total of 146 (72, 74), while Bliefnick finished just one stroke behind with a 147 (69, 78).
"Overall, this was a solid tournament for us," Kralis added. "I am pleased with how we played against seven other Missouri Valley schools, and I would rate our performance yesterday as our best team round of the season. We gained some valuable experience in this event and the lessons learned here will only help us grow and mature as a team."
Rounding out team scoring for ISU, junior Ben Murphy (73, 75) and redshirt sophomore Joe Emerich (71, 77), each tallied two-round-totals of 148 and sophomore Kyle Bragg finished tied for 22nd with a two-round-total of 149 (75, 74).
ISU returns to action Monday-Tuesday, April 7-8 as they compete in the ASU Indian Classic, hosted by Arkansas State at the Sage Meadows Golf Club in Jonesboro, Ark.
