TEXARKANA, Ark. — Led by a 1-under-par scorecard from Michael Rome on Tuesday, UTSA stayed in contention for one of the four match-play qualifying spots at the Conference USA Men's Golf Championship at Texarkana Country Club (par 72/6,969 yards).
Rome's 71 helped the Roadrunners post a 4-over 292 and remain in third place in the team standings at 1-over 577 through 36 holes. UTSA is two shots in front of fourth-place Rice and five ahead of a tie for fifth between No. 28 Charlotte and Louisiana Tech, while sitting six strokes behind second-place Southern Miss and 10 behind Florida Atlantic in the 13-team field. The top four teams in the standings after the final 18 holes on Wednesday will advance to Thursday's match play competition to determine the conference champion and automatic qualifier to the NCAA postseason.
Rome recorded five birdies, including four as part of a 3-under 33 on the back nine, in leading the UTSA lineup for the second straight day. The super senior out of Austin had three birdies in a row on Nos. 10-12 and now has nine for the week to help put him in a tie for fourth at 4-under 140 and keep him within four shots of individual leader James Swash of Louisiana Tech (70-66—136).
Hunter Bott is one shot behind his teammate in a tie for sixth at 3-under 141. The junior from Montgomery followed Monday's 3-under 69 with an even-par 72 that was highlighted by four birdies with three coming during a four-hole stretch during a 2-under 34 on the front side.
Christian Fanfelle has a share of 33rd at 3-over 147 after posting a 74 on Tuesday. The senior all-conference performer from San Antonio had a pair of birdies and an eagle on the 291-yard, par-4 17th hole to headline his second round.
David Harrison is in a tie for 40th at 5-over 149, as the junior from Trophy Club carded a 75 behind four birdies, all coming on the back nine of his second 18.
Jack Wehman rounds out the lineup in 55th (74-80—154).
The final round of stroke play is scheduled for Wednesday and the Roadrunners will be paired with Florida Atlantic and Southern Miss with tee times off No. 1 starting at 9:20 a.m.
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