Sparked by leader Michael Brennan, Wake Forest moved up to sixth place Tuesday in the NCAA Austin Regional at the University of Texas Golf Club.
Brennan shot 3-under-par 68 to grab the individual lead at 7-under 135 as the Demon Deacons pulled within two strokes of Utah for the fifth and final qualifying spot for the NCAA Championship. UNC Greensboro remains in contention, four strokes behind Wake in the 13-team competition.
Wake shot 3-under 281 as a team, an improvement of eight strokes from the first round. Texas holds a 10-stroke lead at 22-under 546 over Tennessee. Notre Dame and Brigham Young round out the top four entering Wednesday’s final round.
Brennan could advance as an individual if he earns medalist honors and Wake does not qualify as a team. Brennan has a one-shot lead over a trio of Texas players. Collin Adams, who shot 70 Tuesday, and Scotty Kennon, who shot 71, are tied for 25th at 143. Marshall Meisel shot 72 after an opening-round 77.
UNCG freshman Kelvin Hernandez is tied for 10th after rounds of 67 and 72. Randall Hudson has posted rounds of 72 and 71. Noah Connor of Reidsville shot 69 for 144, Symon Balbin is at 147 after rounds of 74 and 73.
