The University of Hawai'i men's golf team shaved 15 strokes off its first-round score, but remained in ninth place yesterday at the Western Athletic Conference Championships in San Jose, Calif.

The Warriors are at 57-over-par 633. New Mexico State leads the nine-team field with 12-over 588, followed by Boise State (591) and Fresno State (601).

Boise State's Troy Merritt shot a 2-under 70 to take a five-stroke lead at 6-under 138. Robert Berton is the top UH golfer, shooting 75—151 to share 12th.

"I'm enthusiastic to see that we improved," said UH coach Ronn Miyashiro. "Hopefully, we can finish strong in the last round and get ourselves out of the cellar."

The final round will be played today.