Oct. 12, 2007

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. ----- The No. 17 UAB men's golf team, playing in its second tournament this week, struggled during the first round of the Bank of Tennessee at The Ridges. The Blazers fought their way to a six-over par 294, and will enter Saturday's second round tied with North Carolina State for 11th overall, but are just eight strokes out of third place overall.

"It was a tough day for us out there," UAB head coach Alan Kaufman said. "I think that us playing two tournaments in the same week has a little to do with it, but at the same time, we have to be prepared to play and play well each and every tournament. At the same time, we are only eight strokes back of third place, so there is still a lot left to be done."

The Blazers were led on the day by sophomore Adam West's one-under par 71 on the day. West, who is playing in just his second career tournament, will enter Saturday's second round in a tie for 11th overall.

Senior Brad Smith posted a one-over par 73 on the afternoon, and is among a slew of players in a tie for 32nd overall. Juniors Kyle Sapp, who is the reigning Conference USA Men's Golfer of the Week, and Zach Sucher are both tied for 52nd place, after shooting 75 during the opening 18 holes. Redshirt sophomore Cathal O'Malley rounds out UAB with a 78 on the day.

UAB will continue with second round play from the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate at The Ridges Saturday morning and live scoring is available at Golfstat.com.