Last Updated:May 16. 2008 10:27PM
Published: May 17. 2008 3:30AM

HOUSTON, Texas - North Alabama continued to move up in the standings Friday during the third round of the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championships.

The Lions, tied for eight place after two rounds, used another solid round to vault into a tie for third place heading into today's final round at Memorial Park golf course.

UNA trails Gulf South Conference rival West Florida (843) by 12 shots. Georgia College (847) is in second place, while UNA, Indianapolis and St. Edward's are all tied for third at 855 in the 20-team field.

"We did what we had to do today, although we could have shot better," UNA coach Billy Gamble said. "These guys just continued to show a lot of grit. There is no quit in these guys, and now we'll see if we can make another move (today)."

Wes Smith led the Lions with a 1-under 69. Smith had four birdies and was 2-under before bogeying his final hole.

"I played pretty well considering the conditions," said Smith, who leads UNA in the individual standings at 2-over 212, which has him tied for 11th place. "There was a lot of wind, and some of the pins were in ridiculous positions. But it was a good day for me and our entire team."

Brett Munson added an even-par round of 70 for UNA. Munson is at 216 through three rounds.

Daniel Creel shot a 2-over 72 for the Lions. Creel was at 1-under through 10 holes, but a double bogey on his 12th hole and a late bogey forced him to settle for the 72. Creel is one shot behind Smith at 213 for the tournament.

Matt Gourgeot added a 73 for the Lions and is at 218, while David Gies shot 74 and is at 220 for the tournament.

Smith said he is confident the Lions can make a run at the championship today.

"That's what we're here for," he said. "We're not here for just one or two of us to play well. Everyone is doing a good job, and we're in the final threesome, which is really exciting. We just have to be smart on the greens and we can make up more ground."

UNA's best finish in its previous seven NCAA Tournament appearances was fourth place in 2002. No other UNA team has finished in the top 10.

"It will be tough to make a run at West Florida, because they are playing so well," Gamble said. "To make a move like that you have to make a lot of birdies, and our guys are capable of getting hot and doing that. Our guys just love to compete, and they've put themselves in good position."