Mounier Golf Training Center | Illinois State University Athletics
Mounier Golf Training Center | Illinois State University Athletics
The Illinois State men's golf team is currently in second place after the first day of the 2025 Missouri Valley Conference Championship. The team shot rounds of 281 and 290, placing them just one shot behind first-day leader Murray State, which scored 570 over the two rounds.
Due to a rain delay that postponed play, participants completed 36 holes on the first day. Following Murray State and Illinois State are Belmont with 581, Southern Illinois with 585, both Drake and Valparaiso with 586 each, Northern Iowa with 587, Bradley with 596, Evansville with 602, and Missouri State with 613.
Leading Illinois State’s efforts was TJ Barger, who shot rounds of 68 and 73, leaving him tied for fifth place individually, four strokes away from the lead. Max Faucquez and Pietro Pontiggia are tied for eighth at two-round totals of 143, while Alex McCulla’s even-par 144 places him in 12th place.
The Redbirds will continue their play at the championship alongside Murray State and Belmont, competing on holes 1-6.
Barger started strong with a four-under 68 during the first round, which included five birdies. In the second round, he was one of the three players to make an eagle on the par-five ninth hole, finishing with a one-over 73.
Max Faucquez remained under par through the first round with a three-under 69, featuring four birdies and 13 pars. He completed the second round with a two-over 74.
Pietro Pontiggia began the day with a two-under 70, showcasing five birdies amid five opening pars. His second round concluded at one-over 73.
Alex McCulla struggled with three bogeys in the first round but came back with a birdie before ending the opening round with a two-over 74. His second round went better, with three birdies leading to a two-under 70.
Will Troy, after struggling with a five-over 77 and a singe birdie in the first round, improved slightly with two birdies in his follow-up round. He is tied for 39th place.
For those interested in supporting or learning more about Illinois State sports, GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App offer various information including ticket sales and merchandise.
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