MADISON, Wis. - After shooting a 5-over-par 293 in the opening round of the Badger Invitational to share a three-way tie for ninth place with Butler and Iowa State, the Illinois State men's golf team finished Monday's second round at University Ridge Golf Course with a 294 and remain in ninth place with an 11-over-par 587 (293-294). Texas A&M continues to lead the 15-team field with a 16-under-par 560 (276-284).
Senior Zach Burry led the Redbirds with a 5-under-par 67 (32-35), which tied his career low, after shooting an even par 72 (37-35) in the opening round and sits in a tie for fourth place on the individual leaderboard with a 5-under-par 139 (72-67) Barry career day included five birdies and one eagle.
"Zach's round was very impressive, and we desperately needed it," head coach Ray Kralis said. "While we missed an opportunity to capitalize on his round as a team, I liked the way our guys carried themselves and battled through adversity."
Junior Trent Wallace and sophomore Trey Tussey finished in a tie at 149 through two rounds. Wallace shot a 4-over-par 76 (40-36) after shooting a 1-over-par 73 (37-36) in the opening round, while Tussey carded a 3-over-par 75 (39-36) after shooting a 2-over-par 74 (40-34).
Sophomore David Perkins, who shot a 2-over-par 74 in the opening round, finished the second round with a 4-over-par 76 (40-36), leaving him with a 6-over-par 150 (74-76) through two rounds. Junior David Rauer is right behind with a 7-over-par 151 (75-76,) after shooting a 4-over-par 76 (37-39) in the second round.
Senior Jason Marrs, who is playing as an individual, finished the second round with an 85, which gives him a two-round total of 159 (74-85).
"We got off to a tough start but hung in there and chipped away at it through the front nine," Kralis said. "We then gave a handful back on the 10th but responded like champions picking up a bunch of shots to par over the next six holes, but then we took it on the chin on 17 and 18 giving back much of what we battled for. While it doesn't feel very good to close that way, we learned some things about ourselves today. There was no quit in these guys during an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows, and the experience will serve us well going forward."
The tournament finishes Tuesday with the third and final round beginning with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
