Feb. 16, 2009
Stats
NORMAL, Ill. -
Junior Joe Emerich fired an even par 142 (70-72) in the 14th annual UTSA Oak Hills Invitational at Oak Hills Country Club Monday, leading the Illinois State men's golf team to fifth place after the first day of competition.
The Redbirds currently sit in fifth place, after shooting a two-round total of 576 (292-284) on the par-71 course. Emerich is currently tied for 13th place, while Kyle Bragg is tied for 21st after carding a 2-over-par 144 (72-72). Also cracking the top-25 for the `Birds was sophomore Jeff Kellen, who shot 3-over-par (74-71--145) and tied for 25th place.
After a three month layoff head coach Ray Kralis was proud of how his team played
"With this being our first tournament in several months, I was happy on how we played and competed," said Kralis. "Everyone contributed and we have an excellent opportunity ahead of us tomorrow. We will be paired with Wichita State, who was last year's Missouri Valley champions and the Oklahoma Sooners from the Big 12. The course has had some low numbers and hopefully we can get a few tomorrow."
Junior Tommy Bliefnick carded a two-round total of 148 (77-71) after 36-holes of competition and is currently tied for 37th place. Rounding out the scoring for the Redbirds was senior Ben Murphy who shot a two-round total of 149 (74-75) and shares 43rd place.
No. 15 Texas Tech has a 19-stroke lead after shooting 25-under-par 543 (277-266). Texas Tech's Chris Ward currently sits atop the leader board after carding an 11-under-par 131 (65-66). Illinois State holds a two stroke advantage over Missouri Valley Conference foe Wichita State (578).
Play will resume at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday with a shotgun start.
