McLean County Times

The Illinois State men's golf team finished the first day of the Purdue Fall Invitational in sixth place after recording rounds of 296 and 285, totaling a score of 581. The Redbirds are one stroke behind Nebraska, with host Purdue leading the tournament at 559.

Senior TJ Barger led Illinois State, shooting rounds of 73 and 68 for a three-under total of 141 over 36 holes, tying him for fifth individually. Barger overcame a challenging start, being four-over through his first ten holes, but closed strong with three birdies in his last eight holes and a second-round score of 68.

Pietro Pontiggia posted rounds of 74 and 69 to finish one-under for the day, placing him tied for tenth individually. Pontiggia recorded four birdies and nine pars in his opening round, followed by six birdies and ten pars in the second round.

Francis Bautista and Max Faucquez both finished the day tied for 38th with scores of 149. Bautista shot a first-round 74 while Faucquez posted his best score in the second round. Each golfer made six birdies during their rounds.

Sam Ottwell ended the day tied for 45th after carding rounds of 76 and 74, totaling a six-over-par score of 150. Ottwell made four birdies in his opening round and five more in the second.

In the Purdue Fall Individual tournament held nearby, Gonzalo Cuellar led at the halfway point with a one-under-par score of 70. Aiden Cudney was tied for 22nd after shooting a round of 78.

The Redbirds are scheduled to play alongside Butler and Nebraska in the final round, with tee times beginning at 8:24 a.m. Central Time.