Bearkats extend SLC lead on Day 2
4/24/2018 7:51:00 PM | Men's Golf
McKINNEY – Another 18 holes are in the book at the Southland Conference Golf Championships and the Bearkat men still sit atop the leader board.
Entering the day 6-shots up on McNeese, the Bearkats battled through an up and down day to extend the lead by two shots heading into Wednesday's final round.
“Today was a grind and what Bearkat golf is all about,” said head coach Brandt Kieschnick. “The guys hung in there every shot and after a slow start, they just kept fighting and staying committed to our game plan.”
Noah Steele, who led after Day 1, fell off the pace, but his teammates were there to pick him up. Jake McCrory bounced back from his opening round 75 to shoot a 2-under 70 to climb into fourth place. His round was the third best of the day in the 55-player field.
Austen Christiansen also had another solid day, shooting 71 and climbing two spots to third place individually. He is currently even for the championship and four shots off the pace for the medalist honors.
“Jake and Austen got their rounds under par for us which was huge,” Kieschnick said. “Will and Levi finished strong for us to cover Noah.”
Both McCrory and Christiansen carded eagles on the day. McCrory got his on the par-5 7th hole on his way to a 4-under front nine. For Christiansen, his eagle came on the par-5 16th, moving him to 1-under on the day. He played the back nine holes 3-under par and bogey free.
Levi Valadez gives the Bearkats three golfers in the top 6 of the leaderboard after another round of 73.
William Holcomb moved up three spots on the leaderboard to get into a tie for 10th at 6-over for the championship after his 74 on Tuesday.
Steele, was in a good position after making the turn at 2-over and still 2-under for the tournament after Monday's best round of 68. But a triple bogey on No. 10 set the tone for the back nine, finishing the day with an 83.
McNeese stayed on the Kats' heels most of the day, getting to within two shots of the lead on the back nine. But while the Bearkats top four golfers played the final three holes at 2-under, McNeese played the same stretch at 4-over.
“Our goal was to finish the round off well, stick to our plan around the course, and win the day,” Kieschnick said. “We accomplished all those goals today and we're excited about tomorrow's round. I'm most proud about how we finished the last three holes.”
