Nov. 6, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB men's golf team closed the 2007 fall campaign in grand fashion, capturing a one-stroke victory at the Sam Hall Intercollegiate on Tuesday afternoon. The Blazers carded a team score of 858 (282-282-294), and edged tournament host Southern Miss by one stroke to capture the event.

The victory marked the first of the fall season for the Blazers, who had captured three second-place finishes in four fall tournaments entering the event at the Cranebreak Country Club. UAB, which entered the event ranked No. 15 nationally, closed with an impressive 48-15 record against the fall competition.

"I am proud of our guys and the way we hung in the tournament in some windy conditions," UAB head coach Alan Kaufman said. "Honestly, we were fortunate to win the event, but at the same time, we played solid and consistent golf throughout and that's probably why we won."

It is the third consecutive year the Blazers have won their final fall season tournament. Last season, UAB broke several school records en route to capturing the Barona Collegiate Cup on Oct. 23-24, 2006. In 2005, the Blazers captured the Western Carolina Intercollegiate on Nov. 7-8.

The Blazers were led by senior Brad Smith, who continued his hot play, finishing in seventh overall with a three-under par 213 (68-71-74). Smith entered the event with a team-leading 71.58 per round average, and had a first-place (Shoal Creek Intercollegiate) and third-place (St. Mary's Invitational) finish during the fall campaign.

Junior Mike Oimeon, who led UAB was second overall entering Tuesday's final 18 holes, closed play with an even par 216 (67-71-78). Senior Kyle Sapp closed play at 217 (73-72-72), followed by sophomore Adam West's 218 (75-72-71) and Cathal O'Malley's 219 (70-72-77). West carded the only round for UAB under par, shooting a 71 in tough course conditions.

St. John's (865) finished third, while Louisiana-Monroe (866) earned a fourth-place finish. Jacksonville State (872) finished fifth, followed by New Orleans (877), Rhode Island (878), Louisiana Tech (879), Kennesaw State (880), Troy (889) and Illinois State (893).

The tournament concludes the fall campaign, as the Blazers will next be in action on Feb. 9-10 at the Gator Invitational.