CHANDLER, Ariz. - Seniors Coby Thompson (East Galesburg, Ill./Knoxville) and Nathan Perry (Normal, Ill./Normal West) each matched season-low rounds to open play as the duo helped the Bradley men's golf team finish the first day of action at the WSU Snowman Getaway in 14th place. The 54-hole tournament is being held at the par-72 Whirlwind Golf Club.
Thompson matched his season-best score with a two-over par 74 in the first round and followed it up with a 76 to finish the day tied for 36th at 150. Freshman Daniel Young (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) is two shots behind Thompson at 152 in a tie for 45th after shooting a pair of 76's Monday.
Perry tied his lowest round of the year with a four-over 76 in the opening round and closed Monday's action tied for 64th at 157 following a second-round 81. Freshman Kyle Gunther (Dunlap, Ill./Peoria Christian) is three shots back of Perry at 160 after firing rounds of 81 and 79, while freshman Travis Kreiter (Brimfield, Ill./Brimfield) rounded out the scoring for the Braves with rounds of 80 and 84 and enters Tuesday's play in 77th at 164.
Missouri holds a commanding lead on the field, shooting a 16-under par 560 during Monday's action. The Tigers hold a 19-shot lead on British Columbia and Idaho which are tied for second at 579. Tournament-host Washington State and UMKC are one shot back in a tie for fourth (580), with St. John's rounding out the top six at 584.
Northern Illinois closed out the opening day in seventh (587), while Utah State (8th - 593), Portland (9th - 594) and Washington State - B (10th - 600) round out the top 10, respectively. Northern Colorado and SIU Edwardsville are tied for 11th at 607 and Gonzaga follows in 13th (609). The Bulldogs are nine shots ahead of 14th place Bradley (618) and the Braves own a four-shot edge on Seattle (15th - 622) heading into Tuesday's final round.
Bradley closes out play at the WSU Snowman Getaway Tuesday with one round of play beginning at 8:30 a.m. (CST).
