University of Texas-San Antonio fits the bill in the annual Conference USA Men’s Golf Championships at Texarkana Country Club.
There’s been eight different schools crowned in the last eight tournaments, and UTSA would be the ninth if they prevail in Texarkana this week.
The Roadrunners rallied past three schools after Monday morning’s first round with a 5-under-par 283 in the afternoon. Their 36-hold total of 575 (1-under) is four shots better than Western Kentucky going into Tuesday’s final 18 holes of stroke play. The top four schools will advance to match play.
Three members of the UTSA team posted under par scores in the second round. Collin Clark led the way with a 69. Michael Rome shot 70, while Sean Meehan recorded a 71 to go with his first round 69. Christian Fanfelle fired a 1-over round in the afternoon.
Rice’s Benson leads individual race
Rice’s Jake Benson is 6-under after two rounds to lead the medalist competition, with Meehan two shots back. Clark is third, and there are six players tied at 2-under.
The University of Alabama-Birmingham was the top seed going into the tournament. The Blazers rank 77th in the Golfstat Top 100. UTSA is 84th, and Western Kentucky stands at 87th.
Western Kentucky teed off early in the morning, and led after the first round at 287. First-year coach Chan Metts wasn’t surprised by the Hilltoppers’ performance.
“We’ve got a lot of senior leadership on the team,” Metts said. “We’ve got a lot of experience on this course (TCC). I think one of the biggest things is always managing expectations. Especially with the older guys, there are so many emotions involved in this event.
“Sometimes guys feel like it might be their last event. You never know what’s coming after that, so it’s really just making sure that we’re going into this event like any other tournament.”
Sargent opens with 68 for Hilltoppers
Senior Billy Tom Sargent led the Hilltoppers’ parade with an opening 68, slipping to 74 in the afternoon. Tom Bevington finished at even par for the day. He was on a roller coaster all day with an incredible three eagles in the first two rounds.
Defending champion Middle Tennessee State is fourth in the standings at 581. Charlotte follows at 582, with the University of Texas-El Paso another stroke back. The Rice Owls are seventh with 585 in the 11-school field.
Conference USA invites the public to come out and view the competition Tuesday.
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