LAFAYETTE, La. – After the first day of the Louisiana Classic, the Illinois State men's golf team is in 11th place, shooting a team score of 588 (294-294) in wet conditions at the Oakbourne Country Club. Zach Burry (75-70) and Tyler Gentilella (77-69) are leading the Redbirds into the final round of play, carding a 145 and 146 in the first two rounds, respectively.
Head coach Ray Kralis is pleased and sees opportunity with the first day performance of the team.
"We had a solid team effort in the first round, which was key in a field this strong," Kralis said. "Zach and Tyler gave us great scores in the afternoon, but we didn't take advantage of them as a team and missed a great opportunity to make a move. Overall, we had contributions from everyone, and we can take confidence from that going into tomorrow."
With Burry and Gentilella leading the way, Jordan Fahel followed with a 150 (74-76) in the tough conditions. Josh Edison (73-79) and Jason Marrs (72-80) are tied for 68th with their individual scores of 152.
Of the 14 teams competing, eight of them are ranked within the nation's top-100. No. 1 in the nation, Illinois, holds a commanding lead in first with a team score of 557. Louisiana (571) and Texas State (574) are in second and third after the first day of play. Illinois State heads into the final round ahead of Southern Mississippi (589), Northwestern (591) and Kansas State (595).
Illinois State heads into the final 18-holes of play Tuesday with efforts to move up the ranks.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, WSF gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
