March 30, 2010
Final Stats
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State senior Tommy Bliefnick rebounded from a disappointing second round to lead the Redbirds in the final round at the UALR/First Tee Collegiate Classic. Bliefnick's performance helped Illinois State move up one spot, as they finished in seventh place after carding a 30-over-par 894 (294-296-304) Tuesday.
After posting a disappointing score of 82 during the second round Monday, Bliefnick jumped up 37 spots and finished tied for 37th place after firing an even-par 72. He finished the three-round tournament with an 11-over-par 227 (73-82-72).
"Unfortunately it just wasn't there for us today," head coach Ray Kralis said. "We had a good round from Tommy, it was a good comeback after a tough second round and it was good to see him respond in a positive way. It was good to get back into team competition again. We can take some positives from this tournament and we have a little time to work on some things and get it going for the next one."
Senior Kyle Bragg led the way for the Redbirds, as he finished tied for 18th place with a 6-over-par 222 (72-72-78). Sophomore Eric Meier tied for 41st place, after carding a 12-over-par 228 (79-70-79). Juniors Will Cullen and Jeff Kellen each tied for 52nd place with a 13-over-par 229.
Southeastern Louisiana took home the team title, as they fired a 1-over-par 865 (288-286-291). Missouri came in second place with a 9-over-par 873 (293-279-301). Central Arkansas rounded out the top-three with a 10-over-par 874 (289-287-298).
Stuart Ballingall of Missouri ran away with the individual title as he fired a 15-under-par 201 (69-63-69). Rodolfo Cazaubon of North Texas finished in second place with a 5-under-par 211 (72-69-70). Antonio Costa of Central Arkansas finished in third place after posting a 3-under-par 213 (71-70-72).
The Redbirds will travel to Jonesboro, Ark., to compete at the ASU Red Wolf Classic, April 12-13. The two-day, 54-hole tournament will be held at the Ridge Point Country Club.
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