By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Plymouth, Ind.---Brandon Hoelzer (Fremont Ross/Fremont, Ohio) shot a team-low 71 in today's second round of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament to help the No. 3 Owens Community College men's golf team remain in striking distance for a national championship.
As a team, Owens shot a 297, which was a one shot improvement from their first round, to remain tied for second place with Mesa Community College (AZ), who also shot a 297 today. Owens and Mesa are both just two shots back of No. 2 Walters (Tenn.) State Community College, who shot a 296 today.
Hoelzer's 71 gives him an average of 73 through the first two rounds and has him in a tie for fifth place individually. Philippe Weppernig (Luzern, Switzerland) shot a 74 today. His 73.5 average has him three over and tied for 10th. Harrison Long (Wilnecote/Tamworth, U.K.) has shot 74 each round and is tied for 14th.
Kirby Manown (Belle Vernon/Belle Vernon, Penn.) shot a second round 78. His 77 average has him tied for 44th. Dru Hein (Jasper/Jasper, Ind.) shot an 83 today. His 82.5 average has him tied for 99th.
Levi Fink of North Iowa Area Community College had the low second round score with a 68, while Brad Hawkins of Walters State shot a 69. Hoelzer had the third lowest score.
The tournament continues with tomorrow's third round before concluding on Friday.
Notes
Competition is intense after today's second round. Six teams shot a 298 or below and all six of those teams are atop the leaderboard, with just 10 strokes separating first and sixth place.