Larry Blatt’s 2-over 73 led the team as Illinois shot a combined 14-over 298 in the first round of the NCAA Central Regional on Thursday.

The No. 18-seed Illini are tied for sixth with two rounds remaining at Ohio State’s newly-renovated Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio. Wake Forest, at 6-over 290, leads a field of 27 teams.

Blatt went out in even-par 36 before stumbling with bogeys on 13, 14 and 16. However, a birdie at 17 allowed the junior to finish at 2-over.

The rest of the Illini counting toward the team’s combined score followed in numerical succession. Zach Barlow shot a 74, Matt Hoffman carded a 75 and Big Ten Freshman of the Year Scott Langley finished at 5-over 76.

In the individual competition, the Demon Deacons’ Brendan Gielow leads the field after firing a 2-under 69.

The ten lowest-scoring teams after 54 holes will earn a spot at the NCAA Championships in West Lafayette, Ind., later this month. Illinois has not appeared at nationals since 2003.