NORMAL, Ill. – After the first two rounds of the D.A. Weibring Intercollegiate Sunday, the Illinois State men's golf team led the field with a team score of 575 (288-287), as freshman Trent Wallace and senior Tyler Gentilella are in the top-five on the individual leaderboard. The Redbirds led the 18-team field at the end of both rounds, while six golfers sit in the top-15 on the individual leaderboard.
Head coach Ray Kralis is pleased with the performance of his team, after the first two rounds, and believes Monday will be its chance to prove it can close out the tournament strong at the Weibring Golf Club.
"Overall it was a great opening day for the Redbirds," Kralis said. "We are right where you want to be, and we wouldn't want to be anywhere else as a team. It's a game of highs and lows out there, but they hung in there and battled. Collectively, we had two really solid team scores this morning and afternoon."
The Redbirds were led by Wallace, who sits in second on the individual leaderboard, as he shot a two-round score of 141 (71-70). Gentilella finished tied for third place on the individual leaderboard and just one stroke behind Wallace with a day one score of 142 (71-71). Junior Christian Crabill (73-73) and sophomore Zach Burry (73-73) tied for 15th place on the individual leaderboard and shot a 146 after 36 holes. Sophomore Steve Mullins carded a 152 (78-74) and finished tied for 55th place after two rounds.
Competing as individuals, the Redbirds hold the top-four spots, as freshman Branden Mounce fired a 145 (75-70), while freshman Michael Mounce, carded a 146 (73-73). B. Mounce is in a tie for 12th place on the individual leaderboard, while M. Mounce is tied for 15th. Sophomore Jason Marrs shot a 152 (76-76) after 36 holes, while junior Kyle Meihofer finished just behind him with a 153 (78-75).
After two rounds, ISU (575) sits in first with Central Arkansas (587) 12 shots back in second place. Western Illinois (588) and Bradley (590) are in third and fourth, respectively, while Nebraska (593) and IPFW (593) finished day one tied for fifth place.
"In golf today is today. The game continues. Even though were going to break, the clock keeps rolling, and we have to come out Monday not caught up in the outcome of Sunday and take care of business," Kralis added. "We need to stay focused and take one shot at a time. Strong teams close tournaments, and we have the opportunity to do that."
With one round remaining, the competition will conclude Monday with an 8:45 a.m., shotgun start.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, WSF gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
