NCAA II West/South Central Regional Results

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Western Washington University men's golf team surged into a second-place tie heading into the final round of the 2017 NCAA Ii West/South Central Super Regional played Tuesday at Brookside Country Club.

The Vikings head into Wednesday's final round in good position to secure one of top five qualifying spots for the 2017 NCAA Division II Championships that will be played May 22-26 at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.

The Vikings carded a 10-under-par 278 in the second round on the 6,777-yard par-72 course to move past Dixie State, Sonoma State and Cal State East Bay and into a tie with Midwestern State. Tuesday's second round was a 4-shot improvement over the first round, and was tied for the 3rd-lowest round of the day in the 20-team field. WWU is part of a tightly-packed bunch with six teams all within three strokes of each other fighting for one of the five qualifying sports. California Baptist holds a comfortable 13-stroke lead at -29 heading into the final round.

"We are all very excited for the opportunity that tomorrow brings," said head coach Luke Bennett. "Today was a great team effort. The seniors looked a little antsy and uneasy in the beginning, with Cody (Roth) and Michael (Butler) getting off to solid starts. They played a great round, kept their composure and I think they are ready for another good day tomorrow."

Senior Brett Johnson (Ridgefield, WA/Oregon State) caught fire with a second-round 5-under-par 67, including a 6-under-par back nine (4 birdies, eagle). Johnson moved up to a tie for 8th place in the 108-player field standing at 7-under-par (137) for the tournament.

"Brett's 30 on the back nine was outstanding and something special to watch," added Bennett.

Sophomore Michael Butler (Sammamish, WA/Skyline) also fired a 5-under-par 67 to move up to a tie for 21st in the regional, carding a bogey-free round with five birdies. Butler is tied for 6th in the field with 11 birdies through the first 36 holes of the 54-hole tournament.

"Michael's round today was awesome...very easy looking and well deserved. He played great yesterday, just had one odd ruling and had a little trouble with a bunker, but otherwise has been very solid," continued Bennett.

Senior Chris Hatch (Mukilteo, WA/Kamiak) dropped from T5th to T30th, but turned in one of the gutsiest performances of the day. After opening his round 6-over-par after the first five holes, Hatch played his final 13 holes at 4-under-par with four birdies and nine pars to turn in a 2-over-par 74.

"I am really proud of the heart Chris showed today by not giving up and rallying for us," said Bennett.

Senior Jeffrey Marcum (Richland, WA/South Mountain CC) turned in another steady round finishing with a 2-under-par 70, recording three birdies, one bogey and 14 pars. He is tied for 42nd place heading into the final round.

WWU is making its 19th consecutive appearance in the NCAA II regional tournament and is looking to secure its ninth trip to the NCAA Division II Championships, and first since 2013.

California Baptist holds a 13-stroke lead over WWU and Midwestern State, turning in a 15-under-par round of 273 on Tuesday. The Lancers feature the top two individuals in the tournament, with Trevor Lampson (-13) and Greg Gonzalez (-11) leading the field.

The NCAA II West/South Central Super Regional concludes Wednesday with the Vikings scheduled to start teeing off at 12:50 pm

Fans and media can follow the final round leaderboard and team standings via Golfstat.

Here is a complete listing of WWU's competitors in the NCAA II West/South Central Super Regional and the team leaderboard: