Oct. 24, 2008

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Senior Zack Sucher carded a one-under par 71 to lead the UAB men's golf team during the opening round of the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate on Friday. Behind the play of Sucher, the Blazers shot a five-over par 293 and is in sixth place heading into Saturday's second round.

"I thought we played well," UAB head coach Alan Kaufman said. "We played in very tough conditions but our guys hung in and stuck through it. I think we are in good shape heading into the second round."

The field had to fight through cold weather and heavy rains throughout most of the afternoon. However, the bad conditions did not seem to phase Sucher. The Mobile, Ala. native recorded five birdies through his first 10 holes of the round to jump up to an early lead. Despite closing with four bogeys over his final eight holes, Sucher still finished with his ninth round of par or under during the fall campaign. He will enter the second round one stroke behind first round leader Matt Hill of North Carolina State.

Sophomore Blake Watts is tied for 20th overall at one-over par 73, while sophomore Jason Shufflebotham shot a two-over par 74 to finish the day in a tie for 31st. Junior Blake West (75) and Adam West (78) are tied for 39th and 57th, respectively. Junior John Darby, who is playing as an individual and score does not count, carded a two-over par 74 and is in a tie for 31st overall.

Tournament host East Tennessee State leads the field after shooting an even par 288. Coastal Carolina and North Carolina State are tied for second overall with a two over 290. Wake Forest is in fourth with a 291, while Ole Miss rounds out the top five with a 292.

Second round play will continue on Saturday, followed by third and final round action on Sunday. Fans can keep up with live scoring by visiting Golfstat.com, or getting a complete wrap up of the day's events by visiting UABsports.com and the conclusion of play each day.