April 3, 2009
Match Notes 
NORMAL, Ill. - The three-time Missouri Valley Golfer of the Week, Kyle Bragg, will lead the Illinois State men's golf team to the Branson Creek Invitational at the Branson Creek Golf Club, April 6-7, in Hollister, Mo. The 12-team field will feature a 54-hole format, with 36 holes slated for Monday and 18 holes Tuesday on the par-71 course.
The Redbirds posted an 897 (302-293-302) and finished in eighth place out of the 18-team field in the UALR/First Tee Collegiate Classic March 30-31. Bragg led the Redbirds after carding a 223 (76-72-75) and finished tied for 20th, while Ben Murphy ended tied for 34th after netting a three-round total of 226 (72-76-78).
"This is a big week for us because will we be able to see how we stack up against several conference teams," said head coach Ray Kralis. "As a team, we have had several individuals step up throughout the year. I like the direction our squad is heading and hopefully we can build on the success we have had and use it as motivation going into this week."
Missouri Valley Conference teams competing are tournament will be Bradley, Creighton, Drake, Missouri State, Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois. Rounding out the competition will be Arkansas Little Rock, Nebraska, Oral Roberts, Stephen F. Austin and Western Illinois.
The probable Redbird lineup will consist of Bragg, Murphy, Tommy Bliefnick, Jeff Kellen and Drew North. Play will begin Monday at 8:30 a.m., with a shotgun start.
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