Sept. 29, 2009
Final Stats
LAWRENCE, Kan. -
Illinois State sophomore Eric Meier finished the Kansas Invitational with the strongest showing of his young career. The Normal, Ill., native completed the three-round tournament tied for third place as the Redbirds final-round team score of 291 was the best of the 14-team field Tuesday.
Despite their strong finish, however, the `Birds came up four strokes short of first place and two strokes short of second as they finished the two-day tournament alone in fifth place after posting a 26-over-par 890 (300-299-291). Men's golf head coach Ray Kralis was pleased with the way his team fought back after a tough first day.
"I was pleased with the team effort today, this was a step in the right direction," Kralis said. "It reinforces what this group has and I'm pleased that we finished off the tournament in a strong way with the 291. We had good showings from Eric and Tommy, and Jeff came back with a 71 today. We feel good about our final round and now we have to gear up for our home tournament in a couple of weeks."
Meier finished off the tournament at an even-par 216 (71-73-72). Senior Tommy Bliefnick continued his strong play finishing in fifth place after firing a 1-over-par 217 (71-72-74). Junior Jeff Kellen rebounded from a tough first day and tied for 35th place with a 14-over-par 230 (82-77-71). Junior Will Cullen was right behind him as he completed his first tournament of the season carding a 15-over-par 231 (80-77-74). Senior Kyle Bragg was tied for 64th place after posting a 21-over-par 237 (78-80-79). As a team, ISU connected on 43 birdies, which was tops for the tournament.
Oklahoma took home the title after firing a 22-over-par 886 (291-300-295). There was a three-way tie for second place, as Kansas, Missouri and Louisiana-Lafayette all finished with a 24-over-par 888.
Nate Barbee of Kansas captured individual honors with a 5-under-par 211 (74-69-68). Jace Long of Missouri finished in second place posting a 2-under-par 214 (71-71-72). Philipp Fendt of Louisiana-Lafayette tied Meier for third place carding an even-par 216 (75-69-72).
The Redbirds will host their only home tournament of the year, the D.A. Weibring Intercollegiate, Oct. 11-12 at the Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State.
