September 18, 2004
Freshman Bobby Gates carded a one-over-par 71 on Saturday to move into contention for the individual title at the Notre Dame Invitational/Central Regional Preview.
The final round is scheduled for Sunday at Notre Dame's Warren Golf Course.
Gates is tied fourth with a 73-71=144 total and is five shots behind leader Steve Lohmeyer of Kent State (69-70=139).
The No. 25-ranked Aggies carded a team score of 298 in the second round and and are in eighth place with a 303-298=601 total. Kent State leads with rounds of 287-293=580.
Freshman Martin Piller also helped the A&M effort with a 72 on Saturday and is tied for 23rd (78-72=150) with teammate Andrew Parr (76-74=150). Junior Jerad Harklau is tied for 60th (76-82=158) and junior Rand Arbuckle is tied for 74th (81-81=162). Freshman Trey Todd, playing as an individual, is tied for 67th (82-78=160).
"I was very excited with the way our freshmen played today," A&M coach J.T. Higgins said. "They did an excellent job, but I'm disappointed with where the team is at. I feel like we should be playing better on this golf course. We'll try to regroup and put a number on the board Sunday that is more indicative of how we can play."
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