SALEM, Ore. — It took three days but the Lee men’s golf team began a push towards the top of the pack on Thursday afternoon by firing an impressive 4-over 292. Four Flames fired 73’s and have a combined total of 907 heading into Friday’s finale.

Oklahoma Christian University continued to pace the tightly-grouped top four and Lee appears ready to make its highest finish ever after moving up to 10th on Thursday at the Creekside Golf Club. JB Eksteen, Caleb Roberson, Matt Emery and Hunter Vest each finished with 1-over rounds. Brandon Meltzer (Johnson & Wales, Fla.) continued to be the medalist leader, standing at 209 after a 71 on Thursday.

Eksteen and Roberson stand at 228 after three rounds, while Jeremy Lawson is at 229 and Vest and Emery are at 233.

“Today was a much better performance for us, especially on the back nine where we shot 4-under,” said coach John Maupin. “I’m really proud of the guys for hanging in there but I still think we can play better and shoot a team-round under par on Friday. The guys are excited and we are going to do our best to move up higher in the final standings.”