SE GOLF TEAM STANDS 2ND IN OVC TOURNEY

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University's golf team has finished second in the Ohio Valley Conference Championships three times but has never captured the title.

Today, the Indians just might have one of their best chances yet to finally get over the hump.

Thanks to a strong second round Tuesday, Southeast enters today's final round at the Springhouse Golf Club in second place and just one shot off the lead in the 10-team event.

Southeast freshman Ryan Smith is tied for the individual lead.

"We had a very good round," said Southeast coach Carroll Williams. "I feel like if we play that way again, we'll be right in the thick of it."

Eastern Kentucky is the leader after 36 holes at 585. Southeast is at 586 after Tuesday's 1-over-par 289.

Rounding out the field are Morehead State (588), Middle Tennessee (588), Tennessee-Martin (591), Tennessee State (598), Austin Peay (603), Murray State (605), Tennessee Tech (608) and Eastern Illinois (643).

Smith shot his second straight round of 3-under-par 69 to pull into a tie with Middle Tennessee's Brett Alexander, the defending OVC champion. Both golfers are at 6-under 138.

"Ryan is having a very good tournament," Williams said. "He's a good player."

Other 36-hole scores for the Indians are Jason Owen (147), Jake Saladin (151), Derek Rahlmann (155) and Bryan Johnson (156).