The Missouri State men's golf team rallied in Monday's (Apr. 26) second round to move into sixth place after 36 holes at the 2010 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship in Hutchinson, Kan.
Players battled cold and windy conditions at the acclaimed Prairie Dunes Country Club throughout the day, sending scores soaring on the par 70, 6598-yard layout. The Bears opened with a season-high 335 in the morning round, but bounced back with 315 in the afternoon to move up three spots with a 650 total.
Pre-tournament favorite Wichita State holds a one-stroke edge over Southern Illinois entering the final round. The Shockers posted 316-308--624 with the Salukis right behind at 314-311--625. Illinois State is third with 641, while Drake is fourth at 646 and Evansville fifth with 648. The Bears are sixth, followed by UNI (658), Bradley (660) and Creighton (660).
Senior Jay McBride, an all-conference performer a year ago, was the Bears's low scorer Monday, shooting 82-76--158 to sit in 11th place. Junior Jack Courington is tied for 22nd after carding 86-78--164, while sophomore Will Hogan is tied for 25th after shooting 80-85--165. Senior Ryan Weinhaus posted 87-81--168 and is 33rd with sophomore Mark Hogan in a tie for 40th at 92-80--172.
On a day when only nine players broke 80 in the opening round, Southern Illinois' Patrick Schell is the leader in the medalist race with 76-76--152, 12 over par. He's a stroke clear of Wichita State teammates Dustin Garza and Anders Engell, and Brad Reierson of Drake.
Tuesday's final round gets underway with tee times beginning at 8:00 a.m.
