PALM DESERT, Calif. - The UC Irvine men's golf team saw a 20-stroke improvement in Thursday's second round of the Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate at the Classic Club.
 
The Anteaters moved into a tie for 14th with a 36-hole total of 614 (317-297).
 
Host Wyoming took the lead at 7-under 569 (290-279). The Cowboys hold a six-stroke advantage over second-place Utah heading into tomorrow's final round.
 
Every member of UCI's 5-count-4 lineup climbed at least one spot in the standings. Junior Darien Zhao carded a 3-over 75 to jump into a tie for 53rd with a 36-hole score of 152 (77-75).
 
Freshman Rei Harashima is right on his heels in a tie for 58th (153). Harashima moved up 12 spots following his second-round 74 (+2).
 
Sophomore Johnny Bai made the biggest leap as he had the team's best round of the tournament at 1-over 73 to rise 18 spots on the leaderboard. Bai is tied for 66th (155).
 
Redshirt freshman Jin Nakao also jumped 10 spots into a tie for 69th with a second-round 75 (+3), while freshman Andy Zou is tied for 76th (159).
 
The 'Eaters are back at the Classic Club on Friday for the final round of the Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate. Play will get underway with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.