No. 1 Gulf Coast moves up 5 spots

JOPLIN, Mo. — No. 1 Mississippi Gulf Coast turned in the low score in the second round of the NJCAA Division II Men's Golf Championship here Wednesday, leaping up five spots in the standings.

The Bulldogs shot 4-under as a team, two better than any other, and are within 13 shots of South Mountain. They picked up four shots on the lead with a strong effort, led by David Beard. He turned in a 2-under that has him tied for seventh at the midway point of the tournament at Twin Hills Golf Club.

It's capped a roller coaster 24 hours, which saw a disappointing first day which started at noon Tuesday be capped by Wednesday's strong effort that had the Bulldogs off the course before noon and in sixth place by the end of the day.

"I thought the guys made adjustments," Gulf Coast coach Brad Thornton said. "There were easier conditions this morning. I think I'd call it a successful day even if we did leave some shots out there. All we can do is give ourselves a chance these next two days, and I think our guys did that."

Beard came alive on the back nine. He had hit shots close on the front but couldn't make the key putts. He did so after the turn, cranking out four birdies. Beard birdies all three par-3s on the back, and nearly aced No. 18.

"I hit a little pitching wedge, a cut in there and let the wind take it," he said. "It spun right back and about went in. It was an easy birdie. I thought it was going in. It woulda been nice.

"We played a lot better today as a team. It will help me and the guys know there are good scores out there, and there are two days left to play well and battle back."

Alessio Graziani (Fr., Johannesburg, South Africa/Beaulieu College) rebounded from a poor first round to move 44 spots up the leaderboard with an even-par 72.

"I played a lot better," he said. "I scrapped it around in the beginning. I was hitting it left and right off the tee box, and I got two early birdies. Fortunately, I got two early birdies on the back nine which helped out a lot."

Ethan Trouth (So., Sutton Coldfield, England/The Streetly Academy) and Chase Kaiser (Fr., Natchez/Cathedral) each shot 3-over.

Gulf Coast will go out at 11:48 a.m. for the third round Thursday.

"We'll get some rest this afternoon after a long 24 hours of golf and be ready to go tomorrow afternoon," said Thornton.

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