Murray State University Athletics
Shirley Holds Three-Shot Lead, Racers In Second At OVC Championship
4/27/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Murray State sophomore Kyle Shirley continued his strong play in the 2004 Ohio Valley Conference Championship with a 1-over-par 73 in Tuesday's second round to hold a three-shot lead in the individual standings entering tomorrow's final round of play at the 6,915-yard, par-72 course at the Country Club of Paducah (Ky.).
The final round of men's action in the 54-hole event will begin on Wednesday at 8 a.m. CT, while the first MSU player will begin at 10 a.m.
Overall, the Racers sit in second place in the team standings after a second round 304 and a two-day total of 606. OVC newcomer Jacksonville State holds a slim six-stroke advantage over the Racers after a 302 - 298 = 600, while first round leader Austin Peay dropped back to third with a second round 311 and a two-day total of 609. Eastern Kentucky is fourth in the field of 11 teams with a 307 - 310 = 617.
"Our guys did a great job of handling what was in front of them today," said MSU head coach Eddie Hunt. "We stayed pretty consistent for most of the day, and we've put ourselves in a great position to make a run at it on Wednesday."
A big key for the Racers through the first two days has been the play of Shirley. The Fountain Run, Ky., native is at even-par for the tournament with a two-day total of 144, three strokes in front of second place Matias Anselmo of Jacksonville State. Austin Peay's Chris Barron is third with a 71 - 77 = 148.
"It was pretty tough out there again today," Shirley said. "I'm pretty pleased with how I've played over the first two days. Hopefully, our team can make a run on Wednesday and win a title for Coach Hunt."
MSU freshman Nicolas Griffen is tied for seventh in the field of 55 golfers with a 74 - 78 = 152, while freshman and Paducah native Michael Craft is tied for 19th with an 80 - 75 = 155.
Sophomore Jamie Frazier, a native of Glasgow, Ky., is tied for 26th with fellow MSU sophomore Will Cox of Paducah, Ky. Frazier finished 78 - 79 = 157, while Cox was 79 - 78 = 157.
