HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Sophomore Blake Morris fired a total of 5-under par in the first two rounds of the Sam Hall Intercollegiate, including a 4-under 67 in the second round on Monday, to propel Ole Miss into the lead with a team total of 565. The Rebels posted a team score of 289 and followed that up with a 276 in the afternoon to hold a three-shot lead over Louisiana-Lafayette.

Morris posted five birdies in the first round on Monday, but four bogeys brought his score to a 1-under 70. In the afternoon the Waterbury, Conn., native turned in four birdies and no bogeys for a 4-under 67 and is currently tied for second on the leaderboard, one shot behind the leader Victor Lange of Louisiana Tech.

Freshmen Connor Davis and Forrest Gamble both carded a 2-under par 68 in the second round after both posting 2-over rounds of 73 in the first round and are currently tied for 14th overall. Davis carded four birdies in the second round, including three-straight birdies on 16-17-18, while Gamble posted five birdies in his second record, including four-straight on 6-7-8-9.

“We played much better in the second round,” said Ole Miss head coach Ernest Ross. “I am really proud of our two freshmen – Conner Davis and Forrest Gamble – both shot great second rounds. Blake Morris led us today with a 70 and a 67. He is in contention and has a great chance to win. It is tight at the top, and we have to finish well.”

Sophomore Joe Lewis finished the day 6-over par with rounds of 73 and 75, while junior Tom Brown carded rounds of 74 and 71 to post a 3-over on the day.

Senior Chad Bounds posted rounds of 72 and 73 to card a 145 as an individual.

The third and final round tees off tomorrow and fans can follow live scoring by going to OleMissSports.com and clicking on the link in the calendar. Follow the Rebels all season on twitter at @OleMissMGolf and on facebook at www.facebook.com/OleMissMGolf.

OLE MISS INDIVIDUALS

2. Blake Morris – 70-67-137

T14. Connor Davis – 73-69-142

T14. Forrest Gamble – 73-67-142

T31. Tom Brown – 74-71-145

T47. Joe Lewis – 73-75-148

(Individual)

T31. Chad Bounds – 72-73-145