BARK RIVER, Mich. – In a strong field that includes four power-conference schools, the Illinois State men's golf team opened the season at the Island Resort Intercollegiate, and stand tied for 10th with 18 holes to play in the tournament.
Boise State and Purdue are tied atop the standings through 36 holes as each carded a 566, while Georgia (581), St. Mary's (Calif.) (586), Michigan (588), Miami (Ohio) (590), VCU (590), Northern Illinois (595), and UCF (598) are just ahead of ISU's 599, which is tied with tournament host South Dakota State for 10th in the tournament field.
ISU is led by Pietro Pontiggia, who is tied for 21st overall in the tournament with a three-over score of 147, as he opened play with a one-over 73 in the first round, one that saw him card three birdies – including two over his final three holes – along with 11 pars and ended his day with a two-over 74.
Alex McCulla is tied for 31st with a four-over 148, as he had rounds of 72 and 76. He opened with an even-par 72, as he made the turn at a shot under par with a bogey and two birdies, while his back nine had two bogeys and a birdie – on his final hole of the round – to send him into the second round at even par before shooting four shots over par in his second round with a 76.
TJ Barger carded a six-over 150 on the day, which has him tied for 40th in the deep field. He opened his day with a four-over 76, as he had a birdie in both his front and back nine, while adding 11 pars over the course of the opening 18 holes. He came back stronger in his second round, finishing with a two-over 74 through the middle of three rounds in the two-day event.
Will Troy ended his first day shooting a 154 and is tied for 62nd overall, using an opening round where he had two birdies and nine pars for his five-over 77 over the opening 18 holes. Troy was balanced between both rounds, and shot a second consecutive 77 in the tournament over his final round of the day.
Newcomer Maxence Faucquez, in his first collegiate event, is tied for 75th with a two-round 162 (83-79). He had a birdie and eight pars over his opening 18 holes.
Playing as an individual, Jack Paeglow shot an opening-day 153 – tied for 57th overall – as he started his tournament with an eight-over 80, a round where he had three birdies and 10 pars. After his tough opening round, he battled back to card an ISU-low 73 in the second round.
The Redbirds head back to the course on Monday morning for the final round of the tournament.
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