FORT COLLINS, Colo. –  Sophomore David Perkins started strong for the Illinois State men's golf team over Monday's first two rounds of Colorado State's Ram Masters Invitational at the par-70, 7,218-yard Fort Collins Country Club.
The Redbirds were in 13th place at the end of the first round, shooting a 290, but jumped to ninth place after shooting a second-straight 290 in the second round, which produced a 36-hole total of 580 (290-290). The hosts lead the 19-team field with a 12-under par 548 (268-280), as the Rams shot a tournament record for an 18-hole round in the morning - 12-under-par 268.
Perkins fired a 1-under-par 69 over the first 18 holes, before shooting a 3-over-par 73 in the second round to end the day with a 2-over-par 142 (69-73) to sit in a 19th-place tie on the individual leaderboard.
Senior Zach Burry and junior David Rauer were not far behind, as they both finished the 36 holes with an 8-over-par 148. Burry shot a 5-over-par 75 and 3-over-par 73, while Rauer started his day with a 9-over-par 79, followed by firing a 1-under-par 69.
Junior Trent Wallace shot a 5-over-par 75 in his first round, and repeated the second 18 holes by finishing with a 75. Sophomore Trey Tussey began the day strong with a 1-over-par 71 and concluded the second round with an 84.
"Dave Perkins and Trey Tussey gave us key rounds in the morning, and David Rauer provided a big lift in the afternoon," head coach Ray Kralis said. "Collectively, we did not have our A games, but we battled and picked up our energy level after a disappointing start to the second round. We are due to click as a team with the talent we have, so we need to stay patient and mentally tough. We have a big round in front of us tomorrow and an opportunity to make a move which should provide all the motivation we need."
The tournament concludes Tuesday with the final 18 holes, with teams starting at holes one and 10 beginning at 9 a.m. CT.
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