JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – James Swash earned his second straight top-20 finish as an individual in helping lead Louisiana Tech to a tie for eighth place at The Hayt, played at Sawgrass Country Club.
 
LA Tech headed into the third round on Monday in a tie for fourth after shooting 291 (+3) and 290 (+2) in rounds one and two, respectively.  However, the Bulldogs had their woes in the final round, shooting 300 (+12).
 
The 'Dogs ended up finishing tied with Furman with an 881 (+17) for their first spring event, collecting wins over fellow Conference USA foes UAB and North Texas as well as 39th-ranked Arkansas.
 
After sinking seven birdies through the first two rounds, Swash collected only one in the third round in route to a 75 (+3).  For the tournament, the fifth-year senior shot 69-73-75=217 (+1) to pace the Bulldogs and finish tied for 18th.
 
Behind him was Hunter Battles who had his top finish of the 2022-23 season, tying for 28th.  He had the best round of the day on Monday, bookending the round with birdies on No. 1 and No. 18 to help shoot even par 72 and finish at 74-74-72=220 (+4).
 
Lake Juban had the third best overall score with a 74-68-82=224 (+8) to finish tied for 46th while Thomas Henson right behind him, carding a 74-75-76=225 (+9) to finish tied for 50th.  Grant Smith had his best round of the tournament on the final day, shooting 77 (+5).
 
NOTABLES

• LA Tech collected victories over North Texas (143), UAB (110), Arkansas (39), Jacksonville State (167), and Jacksonville (127).
• The Bulldogs totaled 37 birdies/eagles at The Hayt, the third most of any event this season.
• James Swash has finished in the top 25 in three straight events. This marked the second time this season he has anchored the Bulldogs with the top individual finish.
• Lake Juban and Hunter Battles each had a team-high nine birdies in the event. Juban has registered at least nine birdies in four of the five events this season.

UP NEXT
LA Tech is back in action on Feb. 13-14 at the Border Olympics at the Laredo Country Club in Laredo, Texas.  The event is hosted by the University of Houston.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For all the latest in Bulldog Golf, follow them on Twitter (@LATechGolf), Instagram (@LATech_Golf), and Facebook (LATechGolf).