Team 
Combo
Sept. 29, 2008
Stats
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. -
Junior Joe Emerich currently sits in second-place after firing a two-round total of 143 (69-74) to lead the Illinois State men's golf team into a tie for second-place Monday at the Bob Hurley Auto ORU Shootout at the Golf Club of Oklahoma.
The Redbirds finished the day tied for second with Northern Illinois on the par-72, 7,183-yard course, with a two-round total of 598 (292-306). Along with Emerich, Tommy Bliefnick also finds himself in the top-10, carding a two-round total of 146 (73-73) and a share of seventh-place. Sophomore Jeff Kellen found himself in red figures after the first-round, and currently sits tied for 17th-place, tallying a 151 (71-80) after two-rounds.
Head coach Ray Kralis was proud of his team's performance and hopes tomorrow the Redbirds can separate themselves from the field.
"We got off to a great start and let a one-stroke lead after the first-round slip away from us, so tomorrow presents a big opportunity," said Kralis. "We know what we are capable of and hopefully we will be able to play to our potential and make up some ground."
Also competing for the Redbirds was Kyle Bragg, who shot a 159 (79-80) and a share of 43rd-place, while sophomore Will Cullen rounded out the scoring, shooting 163 (84-79) where he finds himself tied for 49th.
"With only three teams below 600, it tells you a how difficult the course was playing," said Kralis. "The wind was up, and so were the scores, but I hope we take full advantage of our first-day team standing."
The Redbirds finished ahead of fellow Missouri Valley Conference foe Missouri State, which shot a 648, and is currently in 12th-place.
Texas State is the leader after day one, with a two-round total of 583 (293-290). Texas State's Corey Roberson is the current leader, shooting 137 (68-69).
Play will resume Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. with a shotgun start for the conclusion of the tournament.
