Playing against many of the top teams in the NCAA South Central Region, the Texas A&M University-Commerce men's golf team is in third place after the first day of the Emerald Coast Collegiate in Pensacola, Florida.

Leading the Lions is junior Eric Westerman, who is tied for fifth, after shooting a two-under par 142 (73-69). The Victoria, Texas native is tied for fifth among the 91-person field. The 69 in the second round is a career-best round for Westerman.

The Lions shot a 285 on the second 18 holes of the 54-hole tournament to match Valdosta State for the best round by a team in the second round. Host West Florida shot a 281 in the first 18 holes for the best round of the 36-hole first day. UWF leads the tournament with a 567 (281-286) for an eight-stroke lead over Georgia College and State University and a 12-stroke advantage over the Lions, who posted a 579 (294-285).

Kyle Scott of West Florida leads the individual lead after shooting an eight-under par, 136 (66-70) for a two-stroke lead over his closest competitor, Brent Witcher of Valdosta State, who shot a 138 (71-67).

Also in the top 10 for A&M-Commerce is junior Blake Worden, who shot a one-under par, 143 (72-71). Two strokes behind Worden is junior Pinkey Hartline, who shot a 145 (76-69). The 69 shot by Hartline matches a career-best for the Lake Jackson, Texas native.

A&M-Commerce sophomore Danny Jun is tied for 35th with a 149 (73-76) and freshman Ryan Hickey is tied for 68th after shooting a 156 (79-77) to round out the A&M-Commerce lineup.

The 17-team field and 91-person field will return to the course on Tuesday for the final round.