SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. – After 36 holes at the 2019 MVC Championship, the Illinois State Redbirds sit atop the nine-team leaderboard, a stroke ahead of Southern Illinois.
The Redbirds finished the first 18 holes ahead of the Salukis, before holding off SIU, who made a comeback to climb within a stroke at the end of the opening day.
Outside of Illinois State (577) and Southern Illinois (578), Missouri State rounds out the top three with a 591, while Bradley (603), Valparaiso (605), Loyola Chicago (607), Drake (615), UNI (617), and Evansville (625) close out the nine teams in the field.
David Rauer leads the field of 45 golfers with a two-round 141 (-3), including a tournament-low 66 over the first 18 holes. Trent Wallace (145, +1) and Dan Anfield (146, +2) also stand in the top-10 at seventh and tied for eighth, respectively.
"David Rauer's play was big time today," head coach Ray Kralis said about his performance. "His opening round was special and a huge lift for us."
Wallace, a two-time MVC Championships medalist, finished the first round a stroke over par, and shot an even-par 72 over the final 18 holes, including an eagle on the par-five fourth hole.
Helping lead the Redbirds to the first-round lead was 20 birdies throughout the team, including an eagle on the par four 10th hole, as he closed his opening round with a three-over 75. Anfield was particularly strong over the back 18 holes, finishing a shot under par with two birdies, a bogey, and 15 pars.
David Perkins and Joel Durnford are both tied for 15th after shooting seven-over par on the day. Perkins shot seven birdies in the first 36-holes and Durnford shot six.
"Joel and Dan also gave us key rounds with clean cards," Kralis continued. "Trent battled and has himself in the hung, and Perkins hung in there after dealing with a load of adversity early. I'm proud of the guys and know we are ready for the challenge ahead."
"We knew there would be some ebbs and flows throughout the day because the course layout doesn't let up," said Kralis. "We made some runs and gave some back, and Southern Illinois did the same thing. So we find ourselves locked in a battle and expect it to be at least as challenging tomorrow with the addition of rain. I can't wait to get after it with my guys."
The final round of the championship will begin with 8 a.m. tee times tomorrow.
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