Bard, Stanger, Walker Lead UVA Golf To Cusp Of NCAA Finals

The Virginia men's golf team set a school record on Tuesday, shooting 17-under in the second round of the NCAA Regional tournament in Franklin, Tennessee. It was the best score the program has ever posted in a round of NCAA Regional play. By doing so, the Cavaliers put themselves in prime position to advance to the NCAA Finals for the second straight season.

Virginia (-20) sits in second among 13 teams after two rounds at the Franklin Regional. The University of Texas leads the regional at 37-under. The top five teams in the regional will advance, and the Cavaliers hold a seven-shot lead over sixth-place Washington (-13) headed into Wednesday's final round.

Virginia was led on Tuesday by senior Derek Bard, who fired a 6-under 66. Bard, who played in the 2016 Masters Tournament, birdied five of his first nine holes en route to a front nine score of 31. The upstate New York native added another birdie on the fourteenth hole. He's tied for 29th individually after two rounds.

Virginia also received strong play from junior Jimmy Stanger, and sophomore Danny Walker, both of whom shot 68 on the day. Stanger played brilliantly during the middle of his round, collecting birdies on 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10. He's -8 for the tournament, and currently in a tie for 6th place in the individual standings. Walker, who birdied two of his last three holes on the day, is tied for 17th at-4.

Virginia will tee off at 8:45AM CST in Wednesday's final round. Fans can follow scores live on golfstatresults.com.