Feb. 18, 2008

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - The UAB men's golf team improved one spot to ninth overall through two rounds of the John Hayt Collegiate Invitational. Following Sunday's opening round 301, the Blazers cut six strokes during Monday's round and will enter the final round with a 594 (301-296).

The Blazers entered the competition ranked 29th in the nation, and are one of nine teams in the event who are ranked among the top-30 teams in the country. Even though UAB sits in ninth overall, it is only six strokes back of third place going into Tuesday's third and final round.

The Blazers - and the rest of the field - continue to find themselves looking up at defending champion No. 4 Alabama (290-296/583), which enters the final 18 holes clinging to a two-stroke advantage over tournament host North Florida (296-289/585). The rest of the top five include No. 2 UCLA (295-293/588), No. 3 Charlotte (295-296/591), with No. 12 Tennessee (291-300/591) rounding out the leaderboard heading into Tuesday's second round of play.

Senior Brad Smith continues to lead UAB, carding an even par 72 on Monday, and is in a tie for 12th overall with a two-over par 146 (74-72). Junior Zach Sucher is in a tie for 29th with a 149 (75-74), followed closely by senior Kyle Sapp (77-73/150) who is in a tie for 35th. Sophomore Adam West is in 44th with a 151 (75-76), while junior Mike Oimeon rounds out the team in a tie for 62nd (78-77/155).

Only 14 golfers, seven during each round, shot below par during the first 36 holes on the 6,925-yard Sawgrass Country Club course. The field had to endure a one hour and 50 minute rain delay in the morning.

The third and final round of play at the John Hayt Collegiate Championship begins with the first teams teeing off at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.