May 19, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF freshman Blayne Barber (Lake City, Fla.) recorded the best round in school history Saturday, posting a 9-under 62 to help the Knights claim the NCAA Regional title at the RedTail Golf Club in Sorrento. The Conference USA Golfer and Freshman of the Year had another impressive round Monday.
Barber finished first at the U.S. Open qualifying event at the Amelia River Golf Club in Amelia Island, Fla. In rainy and windy conditions, he recorded a 2-over 74 to take medalist honors. Barber now moves on to sectional qualifying, which will be held in June.
Two other Knights who helped UCF earn a trip to the NCAA Championship last week also participated in qualifiers Monday. Junior Devin Spies (Sarasota, Fla.) was in action and senior David Johnson (Palm Bay, Fla.) competed and is a first alternate for the sectionals. Spies and Johnson also played in rainy conditions.
Thursday, redshirt freshman Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.) will play in a qualifier at the Hunters Green Country Club in Tampa. Schneider finished second at the NCAA Regionals, followed by Barber in third.
Barber, Johnson, Schneider, Spies and junior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland) will all be in action for the Knights when play begins at the NCAA Championship on Tuesday at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. Head coach Nick Clinard's squad is scheduled to leave Orlando on Friday.
UCF will be making the fourth championship appearance in school history, but the first since 1992. The Knights will be one of 30 teams in action at the event.
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.