The redshirt junior played at 1 over par across his last 13 holes after starting 5 over through the first five. He finished the day tied for 68th with a 6-over 78 in the first round at the par-72, 7,154-yard Reunion Resort Watson Course.
"It was a difficult start to the NCAA regional today for BT," WKU head coach Phillip Hatchett said. "He did not get off to the start he wanted and got on the wrong side of a few holes in the early part of the round. He hit some great shot today, but position is a major factor in scoring considering the hole locations, and short-siding himself on his approach shots puts him in tough spots.
"As usual, he kept his cool and worked hard all day long. Anyone who plays this game knows that some days, you just don't have it. This golf course suits his style of play, and I fully expect him to rebound tomorrow and Wednesday."
But he hit his stride from that point forward, recording two birdies with three bogeys across the rest of the day. He carded a 1-over 37 on the back nine.
Sargent is just the second WKU individual to ever compete in a NCAA Regional and the first since Brent Long in 2008. The Hilltoppers' only other NCAA appearance came as a team in 2006.
Sargent, a second-team All-Conference USA selection, is scheduled to tee off at 8:31 a.m. CT Tuesday in the second round.
