By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. – Another solid showing kept the Tennessee Tech men's golf team in fourth place at the Ohio Valley Conference Championships Tuesday afternoon, as the Golden Eagles wrapped up round two of competition at the Fighting Joe Course at The Shoals.
Tech turned in a 301 on Tuesday, combining with Monday's 292 for a 593 overall. Jacksonville State held on to the tournament lead, boasting a 10-stroke lead over Eastern Kentucky with a total score of 1-under 575. The Gamecocks' Jesus Montenegro ended day two with a four-streak lead among all individuals, posting back-to-back 70s for a 4-under 140.
As for the Golden Eagles, freshman Will Brooks continued his impressive debut to collegiate postseason play, leading the way through two rounds with a 1-over 145. The rookie tied for third in the field of 55, firing a 1-over 73 on Tuesday to pair nicely with his first-round 72.
Ranked just behind his teammate in a tie for sixth was Alexander Riddle. The senior followed up a 2-under 70 on day one with a 76 for an overall 36-hole final of 146. Next up in the Tech lineup was junior Matthew Giles, who posted a two-day total of 152. He tied for 28th after rounds of 74 and 78.
Carding a 76-77=153 to follow right behind Giles on the leaderboard was freshman Bracton Womack. The youngster tied for 30th overall after his second day of OVC Championship action.
Senior A.J. Wilkerson rounded out the Golden Eagle lineup, recovering a from an 83 on Monday to turn in a 3-over 75 over the second 18. His score of 158 placed him in a tie for 45th overall.
Teams will kick off the third and final round of the OVC Championships with tee times beginning at 8:00 a.m. CT Wednesday morning. The Golden Eagles will begin at 9:40 a.m.
Photo by Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information