DORADO, P.R. – The Illinois State men’s golf team demonstrated significant improvement on the second day of the Dorado Beach Collegiate, climbing three spots in the tournament standings – a jump tied for the largest of the day. The Redbirds are now tied for eighth place in a competitive field as they prepare for the final round of play.
Illinois State wasn’t alone in its ascent; Southern Miss and George Washington also moved up three positions. Stetson currently leads the tournament with a 36-hole team score of 569. Southern Miss (573), UNCG (575), Elon (577), and Butler (578) round out the top five. Illinois State is tied with Army West Point at 595, just behind George Mason (582) and Appalachian State (594). Georgia State (598), George Washington (598), Old Dominion (602), Providence (614), Temple (617), and Bryant (618) complete the 15-team field.
The Redbirds will tee off tomorrow morning for the third and final round at the Dorado Beach Collegiate. The team’s performance marks a positive step forward in their early-season schedule.
Strong Performances Drive Illinois State’s Climb
Freshman Sam Ottwell led the Redbirds on the opening day, carding a two-over 74 with four birdies and eight pars. His par-five scoring average of 4.50 is tied for fifth-best in the tournament, and he currently sits tied for 27th place overall with 36 holes completed.
Sophomore Max Faucquez delivered a consistent performance, recording a one-under 71 with 15 pars, two birdies, and a single bogey. Through 36 holes, Faucquez’s 25 pars are tied for ninth-most in the field, and he is tied for 34th place with a two-round total of 149. Senior TJ Barger also contributed a one-under 71 in the second round, despite an up-and-down day that included six birdies and eight pars. Barger is tied for 45th place with a total score of 150.
Individual Results for the Redbirds
Pietro Pontiggia and Sam Ottwell both posted rounds of 74 and 75, respectively. Pontiggia registered a birdie and 14 pars, while Ottwell had two birdies and 11 pars. Ottwell is tied for 34th place with a 36-hole score of 149, and Pontiggia is in 50th place with a score of 151. Senior Francis Bautista carded a second-round 75, tying for the fourth-best score on the team for the day, and his two-round total of 150 is tied for 45th overall.
Playing as an individual, Gonzalo Cuellar recorded an 81 in the second round, including one of six eagles carded throughout the tournament. His par-five scoring average of 4.50 (-4) is tied for third-best in the field, and his two-round score of 155 places him 67th individually.
Looking Ahead to the Final Round
The Illinois State men’s golf team will look to build on its momentum in the final round of the Dorado Beach Collegiate. The team’s three-spot climb demonstrates their potential for strong play, and a solid final round could see them move even further up the leaderboard. The tournament concludes tomorrow, with the Redbirds aiming to finish strong against a challenging field.
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