LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Kyle Southard hit an even score of 71 and is No. 12 overall to lead the University of Colorado Colorado Springs at the Western New Mexico Regional Preview at the New Mexico State University Golf Course. The Mountain Lions are in a three-way tie for No. 12 in the team standings with 695 for 11-over par.

Southard's round was his third straight round at or below par and his fourth of the season. He is one stroke out of the top 10 and two strokes out of the top five. Southard is tied for third among RMAC golfers from the seven conference teams participating in the tournament.

Zach Tripp was second on the team with a 2-over-par 73 and was even on the back nine. Zach Berhost turned in a 74 and Colin Prater rounded out the team score with a 75 as both golfers recorded a birdie in today's round.

UCCS is tied with Colorado Christian and Regis, and the teams are five strokes out of a top-five standing. Western New Mexico leads the field with a 2-under-par 282 on the same course that will decide the national championship participants from the West and South Central regions in May.

The 36-hole tournament will begin the final round on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m., and the Mountain Lions will start on hole 1 with golfers from Oklahoma Christian, Regis and Colorado Christian.