COTO DE CAZA, Calif. - The UC Irvine men's golf team is tied for fifth through two rounds of the 4th annual Orange County Collegiate Classic at Coto de Caza South Course.
 
The Anteaters, who are co-hosting the tournament along with Cal State Fullerton, carded a 36-hole score of 595 (299-296). The Titans lead the 10-team field at 10-under 566 (281-285), while fellow Big West schools Cal Poly (580) and UC San Diego (589) sit in second and third.
 
Junior Darien Zhao paced the 'Eaters at 1-over 145. After opening with a 74, Zhao climbed five spots into a tie for seventh with a 1-under 71 in the second round.
 
Junior Kolbe Irei, who won the individual title a year ago, is tied for 12th with a total of 147 (+3). He also saw an improvement in the second round, starting with a 75 before firing an even-par 72.
 
Freshmen Rei Harashima (74-78) and Jin Nakao (77-75) are both tied for 25th at 8-over, while freshman Andy Zou rounded out UCI's 5-count-4 lineup in a tie for 45th (157).
 
Competing as individuals, sophomores Johnny Bai and Kevin McGough are tied for 39th and 57th, respectively. McGough had an eagle on the par-4, 341-yard 17th hole in the opening round.
 
Cal State Fullerton's Harry Doig holds a four-stroke lead at 9-under 135 (70-65).
 
UC Irvine is back in action at Coto de Caza South Course tomorrow for the final round of the Orange County Collegiate Classic. The teams are scheduled for an 8:45 a.m. shotgun start.