Oct. 26, 2009
Stats
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Illinois State senior Tommy Bliefnick is making a statement to get some hardware of his own as the Decatur, Ill., native is tied for second place at the Herb Wimberly Intercollegiate after he fired a 7-under-par 135 (68-67) on day one of the tournament. His effort led the Redbirds to a seventh-place finish in the 17-team field after they posted an even-par 568 (288-280).
Men's golf head coach Ray Kralis was pleased to see his team fight through adversity after a tough first round as they moved up five spots in the second round.
"We got ourselves in a little bit of a hole in the morning round, but I was pleased with our second round score," Kralis said. "We did move up the leader board a little bit and we're going to need to do that again tomorrow."
Sophomore Eric Meier is tied for 33rd place after carding a 1-over-par 143 (72-71). Senior Kyle Bragg and junior Will Cullen are tied for 67th place after each posted a 6-over-par 148. Junior Jeff Kellen finished the day tied for 74th place with a 7-over-par 149 (80-69).
"Tommy had a couple of really solid rounds and Eric gave us two solid rounds," Kralis said. "Jeff's second round was key for us."
UNLV is in first place after firing a 17-under-par 551 (272-279). Washington State is just one shot off the lead with a 16-under-par 552 (277-275). Kansas State rounded out the top three with a 10-under-par 558 (283-275).
Derek Ernst of UNLV is alone in first place after posting an 8-under-par 134 (64-70). Bliefinick is tied with Jared Becher of Nevada and Trent Sanders of Washington State for second place.
Tomorrow's final round will begin with a shot gun start at 8:00 a.m.
"We need to go out and get after it tomorrow," Kralis said. "We need a strong team effort and some strong individual performances."
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