Feb. 16, 2008

Placida, Fla. - For the fifth straight season, Illinois has begun the spring season with a victory in the Tinervin Cup. The Illini defeated Illinois State, 8-1, in a match play format at the Coral Creek Golf Club in Placida, Fla.

The event, hosted by the Tinervin family, benefactors for both programs, began with a 2-on-2 best ball format in the morning. The team of junior Larry Blatt and sophomore Zach Barlow won their match 1 up; the duo of junior Jon Krick and senior Mark Ogren prevailed 4 and 2; while the freshman tandem of Chris DeForest and Scott Langley was victorious in their match 3 and 1.

Illinois won five of the six singles matches in the afternoon. Barlow and Ogren paced the Illini by shooting 70s in winning their matches. DeForest fired a 71, Langley a 74 and Krick had a 75 in victories.

"It was a great experience for us because every shot in a match carries a little more importance," said Illinois head coach Mike Small. "ISU has a good program, so I'm pleased with how well we responded to start the spring."