DORADO, P.R. – On a day where scoring was elevated relative to previous seasons at the event, the Illinois State men's golf team closed the opening day at the Dorado Beach Collegiate in 11th place and primed to climb the leaderboard in the second day of the three-day event on Monday morning.
Elon leads the field after the opening 18 holes with an even-par 288, as UNCG (289), Stetson (290), and George Mason (290) round out the top four teams. Butler (293), Southern Miss (293), Army West Point (207), Appalachian State (299), Georgia State (300), and Old Dominion (302) round out the schools ahead of the Redbirds (304), while Temple (308), George Washington (307), Bryant (308), and Providence (310) chase ISU.
Leading the way for the Redbirds on the opening day was freshman Sam Ottwell, who shot a two-over 74 behind four birdies and eight pars. His 4.50 stroke average on his par-five's is tied for the fifth-best in the field, and he is tied for 27th place in the tournament field with 36 holes to play.
Francis Bautista carded a three-over 75 with four birdies – two each on the front and back nine – and is tied for 38th after the opening 18 holes.
Pietro Pontiggia and Max Faucquez were the team's third and fourth scorers on the day, Pontiggia with a five-over 77 and Facquez with a six-over 78. Pontiggia had two birdies and 10 pars, while Faucquez also had two birdies in addition to 10 pars.
Reigning MVC Golfer of the Week TJ Barger finished with two birdies and seven pars for a seven-over 79 and is in 70th place. Playing as an individual, Gonzala Cuellar had four birdies and nine pars, while his par-five scoring average 4.50) is tied for the fifth-best in the field, along with classmate Ottwell.
