McLean County Times

With its four scoring players at or under par, the Illinois State men's golf team completed a round with a 10-under-par 278 during the opening round of the 2025 Dorado Beach Intercollegiate.

Will Troy achieved the second-lowest round of his career with a five-under 67, while Alex McCulla contributed with a four-under 68.

ISU's score of 278 is their lowest of the season and tied for the 14th-lowest in program history. They trail only tournament host UNCG (273) and Temple (275), sharing a tie with UConn (278). Teams pursuing these top four include Wofford (280), Loyola Maryland (280), Southern Miss (282), Winthrop (282), Bryant (285), George Mason (286), Ball State (288), James Madison (288), Valparaiso (291), Appalachian State (294), Army West Point (294), and Old Dominion (295).

Troy recorded one of two eagles for the Redbirds, adding five birdies and ten pars for his five-under score, placing him tied for fourth individually with 36 holes remaining. McCulla secured five birdies and thirteen pars, achieving a steady round of 68 (-4) that has him tied for ninth after the first round.

Competing as an individual, freshman Max Faucquez made eight birdies and six pars for his three-under 69—a career low. Pietro Pontiggia finished with a one-under 71, including another eagle, three birdies, and eleven pars. TJ Barger used four birdies and ten pars to complete an even-par 72. Aiden Cudney shot an 80 in his first Puerto Rico round, with two birdies and nine pars.

The Redbirds will tee off for the second round on Monday morning at 6:30 a.m., alongside UNCG, Temple, and UConn.

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