Generals in Solo Second Nine Shots Off Lead
ROCHESTER, N.Y. --- All six of the golfers representing ODAC schools will participate in the final two rounds of the NCAA Division III Men's Golf Championships in Rochester, N.Y. Washington and Lee University's five-man team made the cut as the Generals sit in second place. W&L's Conley Hurst and Virginia Wesleyan College's Evan Cox are tied for second in the individual ranks.
The top 15 teams following the first two rounds earn the right to play in the final two rounds. The six highest individuals not on one of those teams already qualifying also make the cut.
Combined Leaderboard
Hurst and Cox have been near the top of the leaderboard throughout the first 36 holes of the championships at Midvale Country Club and Mendon Golf Club. Hurst shot an even-par 72 at Midvale in the opening round, while Cox carded a 1-over 72 at par-71 Mendon.
Both players shot 72's on the opposite courses in the second round, leaving them both 1-over for the tournament and just one stroke behind Kethan Reddy from Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. Cox's second day was an up-and-down affair, one time leading the field has he posted four birdies against an equal amount of bogeys. Hurst's round featured much the same with an eagle on the par-5 16th (498 yards) and three birdies helping to offset six bogeys.
Hurst's efforts have been part of a banner two days for W&L's quintet that includes Luke Farley, Todd Alan McDonald, Andrew Barth and George May. They combined for a 17-over 305 in round one to tie for seventh in the team standings. Then came a 16-stroke improvement on day two at Mendon as W&L posted the best 18 holes of the day with a 5-over 289. The Generals currently sit nine strokes behind Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. Farley sits 16th overall at 4-over 147 (74-73), while McDonald is tied for 36th at 8-over 151 (79-72). Barth chimes in tied for 45th at 9-over 152 (80-72) and May is tied for 145th at 19-over 162 (80-82).
Play in the third round begins Thursday morning. Cox tees off with two other individuals at 9:20 a.m., while Washington and Lee will open play at 9:30 a.m. with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and the University of St. Thomas (Minn.).
For more information on ODAC golf, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the ODAC's home on the Internet at www.odaconline.com. Don't forget to become a fan of the ODAC on Facebook at follow @odacathletics on Twitter.