Sept. 9, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The No. 24 UAB men's golf team carded a team score of 873 (288-291-294) and finished in third overall at the San Francisco Intercollegiate; the first tournament of the fall season.

UAB head coach Alan Kaufman was pleased with the way his team performed, especially considering two Blazers were competing in their first-ever collegiate tournament.

"Overall, I am proud of our effort and a third-place finish," Kaufman said. "The course played tough and this was a challenging event featuring a lot of good teams. I am pleased with the way our guys performed."

Two-time All-America Zack Sucher led UAB with a four-over par 217 (75-70-72). Sucher rebounded from his opening round 75, leading the Blazers with the team's low score in both of the final two rounds with a 70 in round two and a 72 over Tuesday's final 18 holes.

Junior Blake West finished a shot behind Sucher with a five-over par 218, to place in a tie for 16th overall. He also finished two shots ahead of his twin brother Adam, who closed play tied for 25th with a seven-over par 220 (69-77-74). Though the duo has been playing at UAB for the previous two seasons, it was the first time the brothers competed at the same tournament.

Sophomore Blake Watts and junior John Darby, each playing in their first collegiate tournament, also played well in Tuesday's final round. Watts was impressive all week and closed play tied for 20th overall with a six-over par 219 (71-73-75). Darby rounded out the Blazers with a 232 (80-76-76).

California captured the tournament title with an 861 (287-281-283), eight strokes ahead of second-place finisher Colorado (869). Xavier closed play three strokes behind the Blazers with an 876, while San Diego and Oregon State tied for fifth overall with an 877.

UAB will not waste anytime competing in its next tournament, as the Blazers will travel to Rocky Face, Ga. to compete at the Carpet Capitol Collegiate Classic on Sept. 12-14.