MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – The Valdosta State men's golf team put in two of its best rounds of the season in the Milton Makeup at Miami Shores Country Club Monday as it is second heading into tomorrow's final round.  The Blazers carded rounds of 281 and a season-best 278 for a 559 score.  Host Barry University leads the nine-team field with a 553 score.
 
Nova Southeastern sits one stroke back of the Blazers at 8-under 560 as does Lee.  Flagler is fifth at 573, followed by Tampa (574).  Union sits seventh at 577, followed by the Barry "B" Team at 582 and Lynn is ninth at 585. 
 
Individually, Lee's Drew Zielinski leads the field with a 9-under 133 on rounds of 68 and 65, while Florida Gulf Coast's Christian Figuerdo is second at 7-under 135.  FGCU has four players playing as individuals in the field.  Blazer sophomore Alexander Nilehn is tied for third at 5-under 137 (69-68) with Barry's Albin Ekvall, while Blazer junior Elad Sebbag is tied for seventh at 3-under 139 on rounds of 69 and 70.   
 
VSU senior Chase Long and senior Parker Highsmith are tied for 16^th at even par 142.  Long fired a pair of 71s, while Highsmith carded a 73 and a 69.  Senior Brandon Cho is tied for 25^th at 1-under 143 on rounds of 72 and 71 in the 52-player field.
 
Entering the tournament, the Blazers were 21^st in the Scoreboard powered by clippd rankings.  No. 7 Lee, along with VSU are the only teams ranked in the top 25 of the rankings.  Nova Southeastern (28), Flagler (44), host Barry (46), Union (63), Lynn (64) and Tampa (73).
 
According to the latest Bushnell/Golfweek Division II Coaches Poll, Lee is ninth, while Nova Southeastern is 11^th and Barry is 17^th.  Flagler, Lynn, Tampa, VSU and Union are among others receiving votes. 
 
The Blazers will begin the final round in a shotgun start on Tuesday morning at 8 a.m.  Check back in the afternoon for a final round recap and complete stats from the tournament.