Feb. 10, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Junior Zach Sucher closed play with a seven-under par 203 (68-67-68) to capture co-medalist honors at the 2008 SunTrust Gator Invitational. Sucher led UAB to a fourth-place finish at the prestigious event, as the Blazers closed play with a four-over par 844 (276-280-288) over the two-day, 72-hole tournament.

Sucher's win marked the second victory of his career and the first of the 2007-08 season. The Mobile, Ala. native also earned a win at the 2006 Barona Collegiate Cup. Furthermore, Sucher's 203 tied his career-low 54-hole mark, which he earned at the Barona as well.

"I am pleased with the way we competed at this event," UAB head coach Alan Kaufman said. "This was a great tournament with a very competitive field, so for us to finish fourth is an encouraging sign."

Sucher looked to have sealed the medalist honors as he entered play on the 18th hole clinging to a one-stroke lead. However, Sucher bogeyed the par-4, 438-yard 18th hole to share the medalist honors with Duke's Michael Schachner (68-68-67).

Senior Brad Smith, who entered the event as the nation's 64th-ranked player, finished tied for 21st overall with a two-over par 212 (68-70-74) on the par 70, 6,701-yard University of Florida Golf Course. Senior Kyle Sapp closed play just behind Smith with a four-over 214 (69-74-71) and tied for 26th overall.

Sophomores Cathal O'Malley (71-75-75/221) and Blake West (75-69-78/222) closed play tied for 55th and 57th, respectively.

Tournament host Florida captured its fifth consecutive Gator Invitational title, and 22nd crown in the 30-year history of the event. The Gators blistered the course with a 20-under par 820 (269-273-278) to earn a 12-stroke victory over second-place Florida State (278-276-278/832). Ole Miss finished third at 842 (288-275-279), followed by UAB and South Alabama (283-282-286/851), who rounded out the top five.

The Blazers will return to action next weekend when they travel to Ponte Vedra, Fla. to compete at the John Hayt Intercollegiate on Feb. 17-19.