March 26, 2009
Match Notes 
NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State men's golf team has rattled off seven-consecutive top-five finishes and hopes to keep the momentum rolling when it competes in the UALR/First Tee Collegiate Classic at the Chenal Country Club March 30-31. The 54-hole tournament will feature 18 teams and has 36 holes slated Monday and 18 holes Tuesday on the par-72 course.
The Redbirds are coming off a third-place finish at the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate, carding a 304-293-305--902. Junior Joe Emerich won the event after he fired a 1-under-par 215 (74-68-73) and was the only player in the field to finish the tournament in red figures.
"We gained a lot of confidence last week and I hope we can continue to build on that," said head coach Ray Kralis. "Our entire squad was mentally tough and I think we can take it to the next level. This week we have a tough field but I think we are up for the challenge."
The Redbird lineup will consist of Emerich, Kyle Bragg, Will Cullen, Jeff Kellen and Ben Murphy.
The teams competing in the event are Missouri Valley foes Missouri State and Northern Iowa. Also participating will be UALR, UA-Fort Smith, Arkansas State, Central Arkansas, Hutchinson CC, Lamar, Louisiana Monroe, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, Oral Roberts, Sam Houston State, Southeastern La., Stephen F. Austin, Texas State and Western Kentucky.
The tournament will begin Monday at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start on the 7,221-yard course.
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