With veteran players Matt Emery and Hunter Vest leading the way, the Lee men's golf team will stand in third place heading into the final round of the Alfac/Cougar Invitational on Tuesday.
All 18 teams entered in the 54-hole event played 36 holes at the Country Club of Columbus on Monday. Host Columbus State fired 1-under par rounds of 281-282 - 563 to hold a 12 stroke advantage over West Florida (283-292 - 575) and a 13-stroke lead over two solid rounds by the Flames (288-288 - 576). Georgia College (579) and Lander (S.C.) (579) round out the top five.
Emery completed the first 18 with a 1-under 70.
He came back in the afternoon round with a 72, and his 142 leaves him in a tie for the eighth spot in medalist play. Vest also fired a 70 in the morning round and closed with a 73 for a 143. He's tied for 13th. Taylor Davis posted rounds of 75-71 -146, while Shea Sylvester put together rounds of 73-74 -147. Peyton Sliger followed with 77-72 - 149, allowing all five golfers to contribute to the 576 total.
Tim Crouch of Florida Southern is the tourney leader. He tallied a 70-66 - 136. Robert Prior of Lander is second (71-67 - 138). The host Cougars showed they are the team to beat by holding down the third through five spots in medalist competition.
"The guys played well today," said coach John Maupin. "We are in great position heading into the final round. There is a lot of strong competition at this tournament (all NCAA Division II programs). We need to get some rest; stay focused, and come out ready to go tomorrow. We did a good job today of keeping five scores in play, and avoiding big numbers. I still think our lowest round is still out there."