April 16, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
Junior Ben Murphy has been named Missouri Valley Conference Golfer of the Week after placing third at the weather-shortened Fighting Illini Spring Invitational (April 12-13) with a two-round-total of 6-over-par, 150 (76, 74). The award marks the first time in his career that Murphy has been named MVC Golfer of the Week and the second time this season a member of the Illinois State squad has been awarded.
Murphy leads the Illinois State team having competed in 10 events, including 28 rounds played and is tied for fourth on the ISU team with a 75.0 scoring average. Murphy has placed in the top-five in each of ISU's last two events, including a fifth-place tie and 9-under-par total of 207 (69, 69, 69) at the ASU Indian Classic (April 7-8).
Head coach Ray Kralis has taken notice of Murphy's recent success.
"Ben has really stepped up his play this spring and he has played well enough to win the last few events," said Kralis. "He is doing a great job of controlling his mind and attitude, and he showed how tough of a competitor he is with two great rounds under extremely tough conditions this past weekend."
Murphy and the Redbirds are back in action Monday-Tuesday, April 21-22, as they compete in the 2008 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship, hosted by Northern Iowa at the Davenport Country Club. Tee times and pairings have yet to be announced.
