March 2, 2008

Tallahassee, Fla. - The No. 25 UAB men's golf team opened play at the 2008 Seminole Intercollegiate by shooting a three-over par 291 to place in a tie for sixth overall. The Blazers are just six strokes back of the overall lead in a field that features seven of the 12 teams ranked among the top 30 in the nation, including UAB.

Junior Zach Sucher led the Blazers with a two-under par 70 on the 7,041-yard Golden Eagle Country Club course. After starting with two bogeys and one birdie on the front nine, Sucher torched the back nine for four birdies and a bogey to result in his opening round score.

Just behind him is senior Brad Smith, who entered play as the nation's 65th best golfer. Smith finished the round with two birdies and two bogeys to shoot an even par 72, and is in a tie for 18th overall.

Junior Mike Oimeon is in a tie for 37th overall with a two-over par 74, while senior Kyle Sapp is at three-over and in 45th place. Sophomore Adam West rounds out the Blazers, carding a four-over par to tie for 49th overall.

Tournament host No. 11 Florida State, along with No. 22 Mississippi, are the co-leaders following the opening 18 holes, as both teams entered the clubhouse with a three-under par 285. Auburn, ranked No. 12 in the nation, is tied with Virginia in third overall with a two-under par 286, while No. 20 North Carolina rounds out the top five with a two-over par 290.

The Blazers are tied with No. 32 Louisville for sixth overall.

Second round play at the Seminole Intercollegiate starts Monday at 8 a.m.