AUBURN, Ala. – Little Rock opened its NCAA Regional run with a team score of 3-over par (287), closing out round one in ninth place at the Auburn University Club. Facing off against a highly ranked field, the Trojans kept themselves within reach of the top five heading into day two.
TEE TIMES | FIRST ROUND RESULTS | LIVE SCORING | PHOTOS
Leading the way was Matteo Cristoni, who fired a 1-under 71 to finish tied for 10th individually. Cristoni carded five birdies and 11 pars in a round marked by strong shot-making and poise throughout the day.
Alexander Rowland delivered a 1-over 73 and is tied for 31st. His round was highlighted by an incredible long-range birdie putt on the 18th hole, closing his day with energy and momentum. Rowland tallied four birdies and 10 pars in his round.
Rhett South also sits tied for 31st after shooting 73 (+1). South collected three birdies and 11 pars, bouncing back well after a rocky start to keep the Trojans competitive.
Ed Featherstone turned in a 2-over 74, placing him tied for 46th. Featherstone recorded three birdies and 10 pars. Despite a few setbacks on the back nine, he remained steady and helped secure the team's standing.
Archie Smith posted a 3-over 75 to round out the Trojan lineup, placing tied for 55th. Smith finished with three birdies and 10 pars but encountered trouble on a few holes that added strokes to his total.
Top-ranked Auburn set the early pace with a commanding 13-under performance, followed by UCLA (-5), Georgia Tech (-4), and SMU (-2). Little Rock sits just three shots back of the current qualifying line, with two important rounds still to come.
"We did a good job throughout the day managing our games," said head coach Austin Eoff. "We let a few slip at the end of the round but fought as hard as we could. It was a long day with the rain delay so we will get some sleep and be ready to go tomorrow. The weather has improved so tomorrow looks like a good day to make a charge."
The Trojans return to the course Tuesday with sights set on climbing the leaderboard and making a push toward NCAA Championship qualification.
