Photo from siusalukis.com

JACKSON, Tenn. — Southern Illinois freshman golfer Riley Klingelberg earned a runner-up finish (-2) at the Grove Page Classic on Tuesday at Jackson Country Club. George Kneiser of Green Bay edged Klingelberg for the individual title at 7-under par.

Klingelberg and freshman Andrew Thornton were the lone Salukis to compete at the tournament hosted by UT-Martin. Both newcomers came away with top-25 finishes. The field featured seven Division I teams, which included Missouri Valley Conference opponent Bradley.

Klingelberg’s second-place finish was the best in his young career at SIU. The Murrieta, Calif. native shot a three-round total of 214. He fired a 69 (-3) in round two, which was the second-lowest in the 58-man field. He was consistent with an opening round of 72 (E) and closing round of 73 (+1).

Thornton tied for 23rd at 13-over par (229) in the individual standings. He shot 73 (+1) in round one, good for eighth in the standings. However, Thornton dropped 15 spots with a round-two score of 80 (+8) and round-three score of 76 (+4).

SIU will be back in action at the Louisiana Classics from March 16-17 (Monday-Tuesday). Louisiana Lafayette will host the 54-hole tournament.