April 23, 2010
Team Standings | Individual Standings
The No. 2-ranked Texas A&M men's golf team grabbed a share of the first day lead with top-ranked Oklahoma State on Friday at the 2010 Big 12 Championships at the Whispering Pines Golf Club. Â
       The Aggies were under par in both rounds on Friday as they finished at 11-under with rounds of 280 (-8) and 285 (-3). The Cowboys matched A&M nearly shot for shot to join them at 11-under with rounds of 281 (-7) and 284 (-4). Chasing the Aggies and Cowboys are No. 7 Texas (-10), No. 14 Texas Tech (-5), Kansas State (-3), Baylor (-1), Colorado (+8), Nebraska (+9), Oklahoma (+13), Kansas (+17), Iowa State (+18) and Missouri (+22).
       "What a great start to this tournament for us," Aggie head coach J.T. Higgins said. "The play of everyone shows what a great golf conference the Big 12 is. There was some great golf played out there. I think this is going to be a fantastic weekend of golf and we're going to have to be strong mentally as well as physically to bring home the championship. The good news is that we're in great position."
       Pavan, a senior from Rome, Italy, and Russell, a sophomore from College Station, paced the Aggies through the first 36 holes at seven-under par and are tied for fourth. Pavan shot rounds of 71 and 66, while Russell carded rounds of 68 and 69. Junior Conrad Shindler is tied for 21st at one-over after rounds of 70 and 75. Junior Nacho Elvira and freshman Cameron Peck are tied for 32nd at four-over. Elvira carded rounds of 71 and 77, while Peck contributed rounds of 73 and 75.
      "I'm really happy with the way we are playing, especially Andrea (Pavan) and Jordan (Russell)," Higgins said. "They really carried us and put us in good position for the weekend. Everyone played really good in the morning, and then I thought we got a little bit tight and leaked a little oil in the afternoon. I'm not too worried about that. I think all the guys are playing pretty well and will be ready to go on Saturday."
       The Aggies will be paired with Oklahoma State and Texas for the second straight day on Saturday, and will begin teeing at 9:50 a.m. on the first hole.
Â