Southern Golfers Still in The Hunt

Despite a scorecard 11 shots higher than in the opening round, Florida Southern's Jude Eustaquio retained a share of the lead in the second round of the NCAA Division 2 Men's Golf Championships on Thursday at Houston, Texas.

Eustaquio carded a 4-over-par 74 at Memorial Park Golf Course, but stands at 3-under 141 after 36 holes along with West Florida's Kyle Scott, who shot 65.

"Jude hit the ball pretty good, but he didn't make any birdies,'' said FSC coach Doug Gordin.

Also for Florida Southern, Heather Burgner of Lakeland shot 2-over-par 74 Thursday and is in second place at 2-over-par 218 after the third round of the Women's Golf Championships being played on the same course.

Burgner, competing as an individual, is six shots behind Joanna Coe of Rollins, who fired a 68, entering today's final round. Taylor Collins of Nova Southeastern is third after a 75. Burgner, the first-round co-leader, was tied for the lead with Coe and Collins after the second round.

Rollins made up seven shots to pull into a tie for the lead with Nova Southeastern after 54 holes. Cristina Gugler of Rollins shot 73 for fourth place, and teammate Laura Fourdraine is tied for ninth after a 76 that included a hole-in-one.

The Florida Southern men posted a 10-over-par 290 total and stand in 14th place after 36 holes. The Mocs, tied for seventh after the first round, are 14 shots out of the lead held by Georgia College & State University, which turned in an 8-under 272. However, the Mocs are just seven shots out of third place.

"Unfortunately, when Jude shoots 4-over, our team's probably not going to have a real good team score,'' Gordin said.

"It's not a good round overall. But I really was pleased with the way Danny (Evelyn) and Brian (Richey) played. And Blake (Holbrook) didn't play badly. He shot 73. We just didn't have anybody shoot par or better.''

Evelyn shot 71, while Richey added a 72. Matt Stauch also posted a 74.

"Half of the tournament is still left and a lot could change,'' Gordin said. "Our whole goal in the national championship is to be within 10 shots of the lead with nine holes to play.

"If you're in that position, you've got a chance to win. You've got to play good, but you've got a chance. I don't think that's insurmountable. Last year, we were down nine shots with nine holes to go and we almost won (third). But we've definitely got to play better,'' he said.

Georgia College & State is 1-under-par 559, five strokes ahead of Indianapolis University. First-round leader Clayton State is third at 566 after a 293, while West Florida, Colorado-Colorado Springs and Grand Canyon are tied for fourth at 567.

For updates on both tournaments, check www.golfstat.com.

[ Del Milligan can be reached at del.milligan@theledger.com or at 863-802-7555. ]