Texas Tech Athletics
NCAA Central Regional
Tech Cracks Top 10 after Round Two
May 18, 2007 | Men's Golf
May 18, 2007
SUGAR GROVE, Ill. - Despite an hour frost delay, the second round of the NCAA Central Regional ended more favorably for the Texas Tech men as they entered the top 10 and are currently tied for eighth. The Red Raiders finished 24 shots better during Friday's round, three-over on the day, and have posted scores of 315-291--606.
First-day leader Louisville fell to second place after carding a 10-over 298 in the second round. Tulsa took over the top spot with a field-low 280 and sit with a 36-hole score of 585 (+9). The Red Raiders are sitting among a group of top Big 12 squads as Texas, Tech, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M fill the seventh through 10th positions. Tech is currently tied with defending national champion and 2007 Big 12 title winner Oklahoma State.
Each of the individual Red Raiders improved on the second day from Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill. Shooting low enough to remain in the field's top 20 was senior Oscar Floren. The 2006 PING All-American has carded scores of 75-73--148 and is tied for 15th place, up from 18th after 18 holes. Freshman Matt Smith improved 12 shots from the first to second round, moving up 52 places. Smith is tied for 35th after posting 82-70--152, marking the first under-par round for a Red Raider during the regionals.
Will Griffin finished the second round with a two-shot improvement, but fell down the leaderboard. The San Antonio freshman has fired scores of 78-76--154 (+10) and is in a 57th-place tie. Sophomore Garrett Merrell fired three shots less on Friday, ending with rounds of 80-77--157. His 13-over score is currently good for a tie for 81st position. Santiago Rivas, who was tied for 125th after 18 holes, is tied for 96th after hitting even-par on the day, shooting 87-72--159.
The final round is scheduled to be played Sat., May 19th, beginning at 7 p.m. The top 10 teams and two individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the NCAA Championships beginning on May 31st. For live stats please visit www.golfstat.com, and visit www.texastech.com for a complete Texas Tech recap.
NCAA Central Regional:
Top Team Scores: 1. Tulsa 305-280--585, 2. Louisville 294-298--592, 3. Lamar 313-281--594, 4. Alabama 309-287--596, 5. Tennessee 314-289--603, 6. Minnesota 314-290--604, 7. Texas 303-302--605, T8. Texas Tech 315-291--606, T8. Oklahoma State 306-300--606, 10. Texas A&M 320-287--607.
Top Individuals: 1. Dawie Van Der Walt, Lamar 71-69--140, 2. Daryl Fathauer, Louisville 71-70--141, T3. Tim Streng, Western Illinois 74-70--144, T3. Dan Woltman, Wisconsin 73-71--144, T5. Ryan Henry, Tulsa 77-68--145, T5. Andrew Landry, Arkansas 74-71--145, T5. Brett Myers, Tulsa 71-74--145.
Tech Individuals: T15. Oscar Floren 75-73--148, T35. Matt Smith 82-70--152, T57. Will Griffin 78-76--154, T81. Garrett Merrell 80-77--157, T96. Santiago Rivas 87-72--159.
Players Mentioned
