CINCINNATI, Ohio – Illinois State battled 36 holes against a strong field as the Redbirds sit in sixth place after the first day of the Bearcat Invitational.
The Redbirds ended the first two rounds eight strokes over par. Leading the way after the first day is Louisville (-22), and is followed by Arkansas (-9), Penn State (-3), Kentucky (+1), and tournament host Cincinnati above of ISU.
"The three teams setting the pace showed why they are ranked among the top 20 in the nation," coach Ray Kralis said after today's rounds. "While they have created some separation, a strong team effort gives us a chance to move upward tomorrow."
Leading the squad in both rounds today is senior David Perkins, who is coming off of a medalist honor victory at the Golfweek Conference Challenge. Perkins shot under par in both rounds on the par-71 course (67-68), including an eagle in the second round. He has shot under par in all eight rounds this season. Perkins goes into the final 18 in fourth place individually four strokes under par.
Freshman Redbird Felix van Dijk finished the day four strokes over par, after going even in the first round (71-75).
Behind him are junior Daniel Anfield and senior Joel Durnford, shooting six strokes over par and seven strokes over respectfully. Freshman Parker Wisdom shot 13 over par in two rounds.
"Dave had another really strong day for us today and is keeping us in the mix," Kralis concluded. "We need some help and more consistency from the rest of the squad."
Illinois State will finish the final 18-holes of the Bearcat Invitational tomorrow with tee times beginning at 7:30 a.m. CT.
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