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By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA - Freshmen have wasted little time making an impact for the USF men's golf team.

Chase Koepka and Jeffrey Meltzer carded the Bulls' best scores of Monday's second round with 2-over 74s as USF remained in fifth place (+28) at The Invitational at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C. Florida leads the way at 1 over, followed by Houston (+21), College of Charleston (+22) and UT Arlington (+26).

"Our young guys really led us today," head coach Chris Malloy said.

Koepka has posted a 74 on consecutive days and is tied for eighth place with teammate Trey Valentine at 4 over (eight shots off lead). Koepka shot even par on the front nine and finished Monday's round with three birdies.

"Chase just played solid all day," Malloy said. "It was really a textbook round of golf in fairly tough conditions on a really tough golf course. It really showed why we recruited him so hard."

Meltzer was 4 over through four holes, but the Bradenton native bounced back with three birdies and 10 pars. One of those birdies came on the toughest part of the course with Malloy looking on in amazement.

"That's something you see an upperclassman do and for Jeff to do that in only his second round of college golf is really special. As a coach, that's a very encouraging sign," Malloy said.

Valentine remained in the top 10 a day after he opened play with a 1-over that had him in fifth. Last season's Big East Freshman of the Year was even on the front nine and went 3 over the rest of the way.

"Trey Valentine didn't have his 'A' game, but it shows once again that he's a first-class player. That's what good players do and what we're trying to build," Malloy said.

Richard James is in a tie for 40^th after consecutive rounds of 78. Branden Collins' second round ended after 10 holes because of the sophomore's ailing back, and Malloy said he is day-to-day.

"I need that guy for the long term and not going to risk him for the short term," Malloy said.

Follow Tuesday's final round online at Golfstat.com.

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