April 7, 2009
Final Stats
Match Notes 
HOLLISTER, Mo. - Tommy Bliefnick and Kyle Bragg both finished in the top-five Tuesday to lead the Illinois State men's golf team to a third-place in the Branson Creek Invitational at the Branson Creek Golf Course in Hollister, Mo.
The Redbirds' third-place finish (307-303--610) marks the squad's sixth top-five finish and 10th-straight top-10 finish of the season. Bliefnick led the `Birds after he tallied a two-round total of 149 (76-73) and finished in fourth place, while Bragg carded a 150 (75-75) and finished the tournament tied for fifth. Sophomore Jeff Kellen cracked the top-15 after he tallied a 76-77--153 on the par-71 course and owns a share of 14th place.
"With seven [Missouri] Valley teams competing this week, I'm glad to see we came out on top," said head coach Ray Kralis. "We battled tough conditions and were able to stay mentally tough which will really help us heading into the conference tournament."
Ben Murphy shot a 158 (80-78) on the 6,929-yard course and finished the tournament tied for 34. Drew North rounds out the scoring for the Redbirds after posting a 174 (89-85) and ending his campaign tied for 63rd.
Western Illinois took team honors after shooting 600 (301-299), while Brandon Crick of Nebraska took individual honors after firing a 147 (73-74). Illinois State finished in front of Valley foes Southern Illinois (624), Drake (625), Missouri State (628), Creighton (635), Northern Iowa (638) and Bradley (652).
The Illinois State men's golf team will compete in the ASU Red Wolf Classic at Sage Meadows Golf Club in Jonesboro, Ark., April 13-14.
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