April 20, 2008

Texarkana, Ark. - Southern Miss redshirt sophomore Paul Apyan shot a four-under 68 to sit in a six-way tie for the lead at the Conference USA Men's Golf Championships, being played at the Texarkana Country Club in Texarkana, Ark.

Apyan's round of 68 tied his lowest round of his career. He also shot a 68 earlier this year at the UCF Rio Pinar Invitational.

Sophomore Tyler Sparks tied his career-low round, shooting a two-under 70, sitting in a four-way tie for seventh place.

Junior Rocky Cleland shot a one-over 73 to finish in a tie for 22nd-place. Sophomore Wes Carter shot a three-over 75 to close Round One in a tie for 41st. Senior Kyle Ramey rounded out play for the Golden Eagles, shooting a four-over 76 for a 43rd-place tie.

Memphis leads the team competition with an 11-under 277. Houston is five shots back in second-place, shooting a 282. UAB is in third with a five under 283. Southern Miss shot a two-under 286 to sit in fourth-place. UCF finished in fifth-place, closing with a one-under 287.

East Carolina is in sixth with 289 strokes, followed by Tulsa with 291, Rice with 293, SMU with 295, UTEP with 297 and Marshall at 307.

Round Two tees off tomorrow at 8:00 a.m.