Huskers in Tie for Ninth After Strong Second Round

Akron, Ohio - The Nebraska men's golf team stormed back from an opening-round 304 at the Firestone Invitational on Monday to fire 285 in the second round, putting the Huskers in a tie for ninth.

The Huskers' 19-stroke improvement from the first round to the second round moved them from 16th place up to a three-way tie for ninth with Eastern Michigan and Toledo. Nebraska's 285 in the second round marks the team's lowest score of the season, bettering their previous best by seven strokes. Sitting in eighth place with one round to go is Kansas State, at 584, which is five strokes ahead of the Huskers.

Scott Willman led the charge for the Huskers in the afternoon, firing a 3-under-par 69 at Firestone's North Course after an opening-round 74. Willman is tied for 15th at 143 strokes, which is six off the pace. The senior had four birdies and one bogey in his second round.

Manuel Lavin is tied for 25th after 145 strokes on Monday. Lavin followed up a 75 in the first round with a 2-under-par 70 during the afternoon 18 holes. Lavin, like Willman, had a bogey-free back nine in the second round en route to a 34. Lavin's 70 ties his lowest round of the season.

Kevin Gillick shot 150 on Monday and sits in a tie for 54th. The junior carded a 77 in the first round and a 73 in the second round. Gillick's second round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 18th. In addition to the eagle, Gillick's second round featured one birdie and four bogeys.

Ross Dickson posted 78 and 73 on the first day, putting him in a tie for 63rd. Dickson's second round 73 marks his lowest as a Husker in 11 rounds of competition. His two-round total is 151 and featured six birdies over 36 holes.

Neil Dufford is tied for 83rd after consecutive 78s at the par-72, 7,125-yard configuration on Monday. Dufford earned six birdies during Monday's 36 holes, but also had 12 bogeys and three double bogeys.

Leading the team competition are Indiana and SMU, who each shot 572 on Monday. They are 17 strokes ahead of the Huskers. Leading the individual competition is Mac McClung of St. Mary's, who produced 137 in the opening 36 holes.

Tuesday's final round starts with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun. Final results will be available at Huskers.com.

Firestone Invitational
Oct. 10-11, 2011
Firestone Country Club (North Course)
Akron, Ohio
Par 72 - 7,125 yards

Team Leaderboard
T-1. Indiana - 572 (289-283)
T-1. SMU - 572 (290-282)
3. St. Mary's - 573 (294-279)
T-4. Akron - 576 (291-285)
T-4. Iowa State - 576 (284-292)
T-4. Maryland - 576 (290-286)
8. Kansas State - 584 (292-292)
T-9. Nebraska - 589 (304-285)
T-9. Eastern Michigan - 589 (292-297)
T-9. Toledo - 589 (297-292)

Nebraska Scores
T-15. Scott Willman - 143 (74-69)
T-25. Manuel Lavin - 145 (75-70)
T-54. Kevin Gillick - 150 (77-73)
T-63. Ross Dickson - 151 (78-73)
T-83. Neil Dufford - 156 (78-78)