April 26, 2010
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
SORRENTO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF men's golf team continued its impressive play Monday, and now has a five shot lead entering the final day of play at the Conference USA Championship at RedTail Golf Club. The Knights carded a 288 (E) during Monday's second round, and enter the final 18 holes at 4-over 580.
Rice is second at 585 (+9). UCF entered the day in first place, followed by the Owls. Play at the three-day tournament will conclude Tuesday at 8 a.m. The Knights will tee off at 8:45 a.m.
The tournament champion receives the league's bid to the NCAA Regionals. UCF is seeking its second-straight C-USA title.
The Knights remained in the lead thanks to a strong performance by sophomore Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.), who carded a 4-under 68. He is now tied for second at 3-under 141.
"Brad had a fantastic round of golf," UCF head coach Bryce Wallor said. "He has a great history on this course. He feels comfortable here. He really played well today."
Senior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland), who claimed medalist honors at the tournament a year ago, carded a 72 (E) for the second-straight day Monday. He is fourth at 144 (E). Sophomore Connor Arendell (Cape Coral, Fla.) enters the final round tied for seventh (147, +3) after recording a 2-over 74.
Junior Nuno Henriques (Funchal, Portugal) also carded a 74 and is tied for 15th at 4-over 148. Rice's Christopher Brown leads all individuals at 5-under 139.
Heavy rains hit the area early Monday morning, so the start time was pushed back two hours.
Tulsa enters the final round in third at 16-over 592, followed by SMU (594, +18) and East Carolina (595, +19).
UCF and the Central Florida Sports Commission are hosting the tournament for the second-straight year. The tournament is open to the public and admission is free.
Live statistics of the final round will be available at Golfstat.com.
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 Standings
1. UCF 292-288=580 (+4)
2. Rice 295-290=585 (+9)
3. Tulsa 297-295=592 (+10)
4. SMU 303-291=594 (+18)
5. East Carolina 301-294=595 (+19)
UCF Individuals
T2. Brad Schneider 73-68=141 (-3)
4. Simon Ward 72-72=144 (E)
T7. Connor Arendell 73-74=147 (+3)
T15. Nuno Henriques 74-77=148 (+4)
54. Reid Martin 85-77=162 (+18)