Mercer University
Seminole Intercollegiate
Men's Golf in Sixth After Second Round of Seminole Intercollegiate
3/14/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Mercer sophomore Sean Smothers carded a season-best 3-under-par 69 to lead the men's golf team to a one-under 287 in the second round of the Seminole Intercollegiate on Saturday.
"We started off slow, but the guys really grinded it out on the back nine for another strong finish despite some windy conditions," said head coach Kirk Kayden. "Heading into tomorrow's final round we are still in the hunt and just need to stay focused and seize the opportunity."
Despite the strong showing, Mercer slid to sixth in the team standings with an overall score of 569 after two rounds of play. The Bears head into Sunday's closing round just five shots out of first place and three strokes behind No. 8 South Carolina for second place. Mercer leads No. 2 Florida State by three strokes and No. 9 South Florida by seven shots after Saturday's second round.
Smothers moved into a tie for 10th place with Saturday's effort, joining teammate Trey Rule with an overall score of 140. The Pompano Beach Fla. native shot a 1-under 35 on the front nine, before closing the day with three birdies en route to a 2-under performance on his final nine holes of play.
Jerry Ren shot an even-par 72 to finish second for the Bears, as the freshman climbed to 43rd overall with a total tally of 146. Rule, who opened the day in second place overall after Friday's season-best 5-under 67, finished with a 1-over 73, pushing his tournament totals to five birdies and one eagle.
Jeffrey Heinicka, Jr. carded Mercer's final score of the day with a 1-over 73, while Emmanuel Kountakis' 2-over 74 placed him in a tie for 27th with a two-round total of 144.
The Bears wrap up the tournament tomorrow morning starting at 8:50 a.m., joining Louisville and No. 23 Virginia in the event's second pairing. Click here for live scoring.
Players Mentioned
