FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Drake University men's golf team got out to a strong start at the Fort Lauderdale Intercollegiate on Monday as the Bulldogs are tied for sixth through 36 holes.
 
"The conditions were very challenging with strong, gusty winds along with firm greens. Overall, we had a decent day and I thought we were really close to improving our team score the second round. We gave away a few strokes on our final couple holes," Drake head coach Matt Lewis said. "We are in position to have a good finish and are looking forward to competing tomorrow and finishing strong!"
 
Drake opened the day shooting a 302 and then recorded a 305 in the second round for a total score of 607. The Bulldogs are tied with host Loyola (Md.) and St. Bonaventure and are just eight strokes behind fifth-place Florida Atlantic.
 
Sophomore Tommi Avant is tied for 18th-place, shooting five-over par 149 (73-76) to lead the Bulldogs. Fellow sophomore Jack Kennedy shaved off three strokes from his first round to his second round and is tied for 21st-place with a total score of 151 (77-74). Junior Drew Ison recorded a 36-hole total of 154 (78-76), while freshman Chase Wicklund got out to a good start, shooting a 74 in the first round but followed the first 18 holes with an 83 to close out the day for a total score of 157. Junior Matt Lavery rounded out Drake's effort with a total score of 159 (80-79).
 
The Bulldogs will close out play at the Fort Lauderdale Intercollegiate on Tuesday with the final 18 holes.