Feb. 11, 2012
By Brandon Naidus
UCFAthletics.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Like each of the past three seasons, the UCF men's golf team opened up its spring season in Gainesville, at the Gator Invitational. The familiarity has helped the Knights post a strong showing in their first day. The squad heads into its final round on Sunday in sixth-place, with a score of 22-over par through 36 holes. The Knights are four-strokes behind Liberty and No. 17 Florida State, who are tied for fourth-place.
After one round this morning at the Mark Bostick Golf Course, the Knights were tied for sixth-place at 291 (+11). Sophomore Ricardo Gouveia (Almancil, Portugal) led the Knights with a one-over 71. Sophomores Jose Joia (Lagoa, Portugal) and Greg Eason (Leicester City, England) both shot two-over par 72.
Following a break in play, the Knights commenced their second round of the day. The Knights posted a score of 291 (+11), which gave them sole possession of sixth at the end of Saturday. Gouveia posted a one-under par 70. Joia (Lagoa, Portugal) made a birdie in three of the final four holes. Senior Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.) shot a two-over par 72.
Gouveia will start play Sunday in a tie for sixth-place and one-shot behind Michael Herbert of No. 2 Auburn for fifth-place. Auburn's Dominic Bozzelli finished play at eight-under par 132 and like his school, he has a five-stroke lead over his closest competitor.
The tournament is the first of five regular-season events for the Knights this spring.
SunTrust Gator Invitational - Saturday's First Two Rounds - Par 70
Team Leaderboard
1) No. 2 Auburn E (279-281--560)
2) No. 33 Florida +5 (278-287--565)
3) No. 8 Arkansas +17 (288-289--577)
6) UCF + 22 (291-291--582)
Individual Leaderboard
1) No. 19 Dominic Bozzelli (Auburn) -8 (68-64--132)
2) No. 13 TJ Vogel (Florida) -3 (66-71--137)
T3) Chad Ramey (Mississippi State) -1 (68-71--139)
T3) Chase Seifert (Florida State) -1 (68-71--139)
5) Michael Herbert (Auburn) E (70-70--140)
UCF's Individuals
T6) Ricardo Gouveia +1 (71-70--141)
T23) Jose Joia +6 (72-74--146)
T27) Greg Eason +7 (72-75--147)
T34) Brad Schneider +8 (76-72--148)
T57) Kyle Wilshire +12 (77-75--152)