April 5, 2009
AUGUSTA, Ga. (UCFAthletics.com) - Freshman Blayne Barber (Lake City, Fla.) of the 15th-ranked UCF men's golf team tied for third on the individual side as the Knights concluded play Sunday at the ASU Adminstaff Invitational at the Forest Hills Golf Club. UCF tied for fourth at the 17-team tournament.
Barber carded a 2-under 70 during Sunday's final round to finish at 208 (-8).
The Knights posted a team score of 292 (+4) on the final 18. UCF completed play at the two-day, three-round event tied with Coastal Carolina. Host Augusta State won the tournament at 828 (-36).
UCF finished ahead of three of top-50 ranked squads in the country, most notably No. 12 Tennessee.
"We played very well yesterday and really struggled today to finish in a tie for fourth," UCF head coach Nick Clinard said. "We have now played in the final pair four of our last five tournaments and need to get better at closing the deal. For us to be great, we need to putt better. Blayne is an exceptional player who brings it every week. I am proud of him."
On Sunday, UCF junior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland) registered an even-par 72. He tied for 26th at 213 (-3). Senior David Johnson (Palm Bay, Fla.) and redshirt freshman Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.) tied for 39th (216, E). Sophomore Jed Dirksen (Hampton, Iowa) also competed at the tournament. He tied for 60th at 4-over 220.
Augusta State's Taylor Floyd claimed medalist honors at 202 (-14). Chattanooga's Derek Rende ended the tournament second, two strokes ahead of Barber at 206 (-10).
The Knights were competing in their second event of the week. On Tuesday, the squad finished fourth at the Hootie at Bulls Bay in Awendaw, S.C. UCF concluded the event ahead of several ranked teams, including No. 5 Clemson. Barber tied for eighth at the tournament.
UCF will return to action a week from today at the Bluegrass Invitational in Lexington, Ky.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
Team Leaders
1. Augusta State 278-273-277=828 (-36)
2. Chattanooga 273-286-282=841 (-23)
3. Kent State 286-275-282=843 (-21)
T4. Coastal Carolina 279-283-287=849 (-15)
T4. UCF 282-275-292=849 (-15)
UCF Individuals
T3. Blayne Barber 68-70-70=208 (-8)
T26. Simon Ward 73-68-72=213 (-3)
T39. Brad Schneider 75-67-74=216 (E)
T39. David Johnson 69-71-76=216 (E)
T60. Jed Dirksen 72-70-78=220 (+4)