The two teams carded 594s, although in opposite ways. TJC was consistent (296-298) while Lon Morris improved by 12 strokes in the second round (303-291).

Meanwhile, the Apache Ladies grabbed a 30-stroke lead heading into today's final 18, which is slated for a 9 a.m. start.

By TRAVIS YOESTING
Staff Writer

Tyler Morning Telegraph

James Glenn, a freshman from Seneca, S.C., opened the event with a round-best 72 for TJC, despite battling high winds and occasional rain.

Led by Glenn, the Apaches recorded a 296 to lead Lon Morris by 7 strokes after the first round. Then the Bearcats stormed back, led by Jamie Garcia, who shot a day-low 144 (74-70).

Glenn carded a 74 in the second round for a team-best 146. Following him were sophomores Blaine Weiterman of Overton (74-74 - 148) and Cody Blankenship (75-74 - 149). Freshman Lindale-native Jared Johnson (76-76 - 152) and sophomore Cody Bass (75-77 - 152) had solid showings for TJC.

"They played real well," said TJC coach Sandy Terry of the Apaches. "We had five guys that did their job."

Paris sits in third with a two-round 619 (311-308) while Texarkana is fourth (322-310 - 632).

TJC, ranked No. 3 in NJCAA Division II, will try to best the top-ranked team in Division I, Lon Morris, on the final day. The Bearcats have won every time this group of four teams has been in the same tournament, Terry said.

"I would not be surprised if it happened again," Terry said. "But we're trying to keep them from doing it again."

However, he's not about to speculate the winner.

"After doing this 26 years, I'd be foolish to make a prediction because anything can happen," Terry said. "It will be close; we know it's going to be close. Every kid here is pretty good."

The Apache Ladies shot 701 (354-347) to commanding lead over Texarkana (363-368 - 731), the only other women's participant. Texarkana's Anezel Zylstra recorded the top women's score, carding a 167 (83-84).

TJC was led by Whitney Flewellen, who carded a two-round 170 (90-80). She was followed by Alexis Byerly (86-85 - 171), Jacquiline Lujan (85-92 - 177), Xeniya Zheleznova (94-90 - 184) and Kilgore-native Courtney Hodgkins (93-98 - 191).

"They know what they have to do, they're pitted against the golf course and they've just got to take care of business," Terry said about TJC heading into the last round.