Luke Guthrie

It’s pretty much been an up-and-down year for Illinois. The Fighting Illini won their first two tournaments of the fall season and have added three more titles this spring. But they also show a T-10 in their own event at Olympia Fields and a pair of 12ths this spring.

“For the most part, it’s been a good year,” Illinois coach Mike Small said. “I feel we began hitting our stride about three weeks ago when we won the Big 10 Championship.”

They again were in full stride in the opening round at the Fayetteville, Ark., regional at Blessings, shooting 6-under 282 to take a three-stroke lead. But much like the season itself, it was a roller-coaster day.

“I think we were 11 under after our first eight holes (starting on the back nine) and were even par through 11 holes,” Small said. “But we came back with a solid finish and I’m proud of the perseverance they showed. They stayed strong and brought it back.”It’s pretty much been an up-and-down year for Illinois. The Fighting Illini won their first two tournaments of the fall season and have added three more titles this spring. But they also show a T-10 in their own event at Olympia Fields and a pair of 12ths this spring.

“For the most part, it’s been a good year,” Illinois coach Mike Small said. “I feel we began hitting our stride about three weeks ago when we won the Big 10 Championship.”

They again were in full stride in the opening round at the Fayetteville, Ark., regional at Blessings, shooting 6-under 282 to take a three-stroke lead. But much like the season itself, it was a roller-coaster day.

“I think we were 11 under after our first eight holes (starting on the back nine) and were even par through 11 holes,” Small said. “But we came back with a solid finish and I’m proud of the perseverance they showed. They stayed strong and brought it back.”