FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Sophomore David Perkins continued his impressive performance for the Illinois State men's golf team Tuesday in the final round of Colorado State's Ram Masters Invitational, after shooting a 3-over-par 73 (34-39), which included two birdies on the front nine, where he shot a 1-under-par 34 at the par-70, 7,218-yard Fort Collins Country Club. Overall, Perkins earned a 25th-place tie on the individual leaderboard with a final score of 5-over-par 215 (69-73-73)
The Redbirds finished in seventh place, after shooting a 4-over-par 284 in the final round, improving from the pair of 290s they shot in each of the first two rounds to finish with an overall score of 864 (290-290-284). The host Rams won the 19-team event with a 5-under-par 275 in the final round to finish with a 17-under-par 823 (268-280-275). Colorado State won in dominant fashion, as the Rams were 19 strokes ahead of second-place UMKC and the only team to finish under par.
Junior David Rauer finished the final 18 holes by firing a 1-under-par 69 (34-35), which included three birdies and was a repeat from his second-round score. He finished the tournament with a 7-over-par 217 (79-69-69).
Senior Zach Burry finished right behind Rauer, carding an even-par 70 (36-34) in the final round and finishing with an 8-over-par 218 (75-73-70). Junior Trent Wallace concluded the final round with a 2-over-par 72 (37-35), which included three birdies and an eagle. He finished with an overall score of 222 (75-75-72).
Sophomore Trey Tussey shot a 5-over-par 75 (36-39) in the final round to finish with a 230 (71-84-75), but his score did not count towards the team's overall score in the final round.
"It was a great team effort today in posting one of the low rounds of the day and moving up the leaderboard," head coach Ray Kralis said. "We kept the momentum going from yesterday when we responded well after a tough start in round two. We are learning valuable things about ourselves as we have demonstrated resiliency and shown everyone can contribute. Dave Perkins led us and continues to prove he can be counted on consistently. David Rauer is having an immediate impact with consecutive rounds in the 60s, and Zach (Burry) gave us another great round today. This group is loaded with potential, and it was great to finish on a strong note going into next weekend."
Up Next
The Redbirds will return to action at NIU's Northern Intercollegiate, Sept. 24-25, at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.
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