WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Redbirds are topping a loaded field at the 2019 Boilermaker Invitational, leading the field after the first two rounds of the tournament with a 16-under 560 over the first day.
Illinois State shot 16 strokes under par in the first two rounds of play, 11-under in the second round. The team is leading a field of 15 teams, which includes host Purdue by one stroke (-15) and fifth-ranked Oklahoma (-14). Also among the other teams trailing the Redbirds in the field include 49thranked Northwestern (-6), Michigan (-2), Southern Illinois (-1), Wisconsin (even par), Notre Dame (even par), and Indiana (+13).
Individually, leading the way for the Redbirds was a trio of players – Trent Wallace, David Perkins, and David Rauer – who each finished the first two rounds at -6 and tied for third in the field.
"Trent, Dave, and David were spectacular today giving us under par scores in both rounds one and two," coach Ray Kralis said after today's rounds. "It was an outstanding team effort over the opening 36 holes."
Wallace, a senior, was one of the driving forces for the Redbirds in the first two rounds. Wallace ended the first round one stroke under par before shooting five under in the second round.Â
Perkins had a strong outing as well, posting the same score as Wallace with six under par after 36-holes. Perkins' second round included six birdies, five of which came in the front nine.
Rauer started the weekend off well, also finishing the first two rounds five strokes under par. Rauer led Illinois State in the first round swinging two under par before getting six birdies in the second round.
Joel Durnford finished the day four strokes over par after shooting an even par in the first round. Daniel Anfield is shooting nine over-par after the first day.
"Weather is going to be a factor tomorrow, so we know the golf course will show its teeth," Kralis continued. "We're expecting a battle."
The squad returns to action to finish the tournament tomorrow starting at 7:30 a.m.
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