Men's golf team tied for second after two rounds at national tournament

The Eastern Florida State College men's golf team is tied for second halfway through the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament in Odessa, Texas.

The wind was a factor throughout the day at Odessa Country Club as teams had to battle gusts between 20 and 30 miles per hour on Wednesday.

The Titans came out strong but struggled on the back nine, finishing with a 297 in the second round and is 9-over after two rounds. Eastern Florida State College is tied with New Mexico Junior College.

"It was a struggle today, that was probably the most wind we have played in since the national tournament last year," Eastern Florida State College men's golf coach Jamie Howell said. "The guys fought hard, we are tied for second so we have to collect ourselves and do our jobs."

Drew Lanier shot a 71 on Wednesday with birdies on No. 6, No. 10 and No. 15. The sophomore is tied for seventh overall after two rounds.

Teammates John Houchin and Robert Greninger each shot a 2-over 74 while Matt Gauntlett and Brandon Boncore each finished with a 78.

Houchin had two holes that spoiled a good round. The sophomore birdied No. 3 but a miscue with the putter on No. 4 set him back. He came back with a birdie on No. 7 and No. 10. He would also birdie No. 15 before running into trouble at No. 17. He is tied for 15^th after two rounds.

Hutchinson Community College is leading the tournament after shooting the only under par round of 9-under 282. They are 10-under for the tournament.

Hutchinson's Ben Partridge is leading the way individually, sitting at 6-under for the tournament after two rounds. Teammate Blake Saffel is in second at 5-under.

"Hats off to Hutchinson for what they are doing but if they can do it, someone else can to so we just have to play better," Howell said. "The biggest thing that I have said all along is to keep your tempo, with winds like this it makes everyone go fast and hit the ball harder and then you fall victim to it. We have to make sure our rhythm and tempo are in check."

Eastern Florida State College will pair up with Hutchinson and New Mexico Junior College in the third round of the tournament. Brandon Boncore will lead off for the Titans at 1:24 p.m.