MOBILE, Ala. – The Redbirds battled against nationally-ranked schools in the first two rounds of the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate.
Illinois State stands in 12th place out of 14 schools after opening two rounds of the tournament. The Redbirds are competing with nationally ranked schools including #14 Louisville, #43 UAB, and #45 Illinois. Four schools are within a pair of strokes: South Alabama, Denver, Richmond and Illinois State.
Senior David Perkins led the squad on the first day, shooting three strokes under in the first round and even in the second round (69-72). Perkins, who is individually ranked sixth according to GolfStat, has carded at or under par in 15 of the 17 rounds of tournament play this season. He is tied for 14th individually.
Senior Joel Durnford and freshman Felix van Dijk ended the second round tied with a score of 145. Durnford shot three strokes under par in the second round including five birdies across 18 holes.
Juniors Joe Hodgson and Dan Anfield shot 150 and 157 respectively. Junior Andrew O'Brien, who is playing as an individual, shot one under par in the second round that included six birdies.
"We had a rough start out of the gate through the opening nine holes before finally settling into the round a bit," head coach Ray Kralis said. "We aren't as far off as our position makes it appear, and we were able to clean things up as the day progressed. There is no reason why we can't finish it off tomorrow with a better team effort and move up the board."
The Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate final 18 holes will be played tomorrow.
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