FORT COLLINS, Colo. – After the first two rounds of the Ram Masters Invitational, the Illinois State men's golf team is in 11th place, carding a team score of 600 (293-307). After Monday's two rounds, freshman Trent Wallace shot a 146 (72-74), leading the Redbirds into the final round of the invitational in a tie for 22nd place on the individual leaderboard.
Head coach Ray Kralis expects the team to bounce back for a better final round, despite facing adversity due to unfamiliar playing conditions.
"We played a solid first round, and I was optimistic thinking we would make a move in round two after becoming more comfortable with our carrying distances at such a high elevation," Kralis said. "With so many teams bunched together, the opportunity to climb up the leaderboard was right there. Unfortunately, the afternoon was a struggle magnified by some tough pin locations. We need to put this behind us quickly and finish the tournament with a strong team effort Tuesday."
As Wallace led the way for the Redbirds, sophomore Zach Burry was just four strokes behind his teammate with a 150 (71-79). Junior Christian Crabill (75-77) and senior Tyler Gentilella (75-77) tied for 52nd place on the individual leaderboard and shot a 152 after 36 holes, while sophomore Steven Mullins carded a 158 (78-80).
Out of the 15 teams, ISU sits in 11th place (600), with tournament host Colorado State in first (560), followed by Kansas one stroke back in second (561) and Fresno State in third (577).
The Redbirds hope to move up the team leaderboard during the third round of play Tuesday.
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