By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

HICKORY, Tenn. – With two rounds in the books at the Big Blue Intercollegiate, the Tennessee Tech men's golf team finds itself right in the thick of the fight, trailing the leader by just nine shots with a round to play at Presidents Reserve at Hermitage Golf Club in Hickory, Tenn.

The Golden Eagles tied for sixth among 15 teams in contention, matching Morehead State with a two-round tally of 574 after posting rounds of 286 and 288 to sit 4-over. UT Martin led the field with a 3-under 565. Lindenwood's Renato Filho paced all individuals with a 136 thanks to an incredible, 9-under 62 in the second round. 

Continuing his remarkable sophomore run, Jackson Skeen tied for fifth among 90 golfers through the opening two rounds, sitting at 3-under with a 139. He delivered a 4-under 67 before capping the day with a 1-over 72.

Senior Chance Taylor posted a 144 to rank in the top-25, tied for 25th with a 74 and 1-under 70 on the day. Just one shot back of his teammate was junior Sean Anderson, tying for 31st overall with a 145, delivering scores of 72 and 73.

Veteran Bryce Beeler carded back-to-back rounds of 2-over 73 to tie for 41st while finishing just one stroke back of Anderson with a 146. Rounding out the lineup, freshman Anders Larson tied for 53rd behind a 148 backed by rounds of 75 and 73.

Competing as individuals were Haden Maxwell, Alexander Bassell, Mark McDearman. Maxwell produced the best results of the trio, tying for 31st with a 1-under 70 and a 75 for a 145. Bassel tied for 76th behind scores of 80 and 74, totaling 154 while McDearman tied for 88th with a 157 and scores of 78 and 79.

Tech will kick off Tuesday's final round with a shotgun start beginning at 8:00 a.m. CT. 

File photo by Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Media Relations