March 9, 2009
Stats
Complete Match Notes 
ONEONTA, Ala. -
Senior Ben Murphy led the Illinois State men's golf team to third place after carding a 5-under par 139 (73-66) in day one of the Samford Intercollegiate at Limestone Springs Golf Course Monday. Murphy tallied 11 birdies in 36-holes of play and is currently in third place.
The Redbirds are in third place after carding a 2-over par 578 (296-282) on the par-72 course. Apart from Murphy, sophomores Jeff Kellen and Will Cullen also find themselves near the top of the leader board. Kellen is currently tied for 12th after tallying a 72-73--145, while Cullen is tied for 14th after shooting a 2-over par 146 (74-72).
"We responded nicely after digging ourselves in a slight hole in the first round," said head coach Ray Kralis. "As a team, we gave up eight strokes on two par-3 holes in the morning session which hurt us; we can't let that happen. We played well in the second round and we have some confidence going into the final round tomorrow."
Tommy Bliefnick shot a 77-72--149 on the 6,978-yard course which secured him a share of 27th place. Rounding out the scoring for the Redbirds was Joe Emerich, who is currently tied for 44th place after carding a 152 (76-76).
After the first day of competition, Murray State is leading the tournament after shooting a 288-276--564. Illinois State is leading fellow Missouri Valley Conference foes Southern Illinois (594) and Evansville (616).
Play will resume Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start for final 18-holes of competition
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