April 17, 2006

KINGWOOD, Texas - UT Arlington posted a one-under-par 287 to take the opening round at the 43rd Southland Conference men's golf championship at the Kingwood Deerwood Course Monday.

The defending conference tournament champion, UTA has a four-stroke lead over second-place Louisiana-Monroe (291) after the opening day. Texas-San Antonio (292), Sam Houston State (294) and Southeastern Louisiana (295) round out the top five. Lamar, a six-time winner during the 2006 season, is sixth at 296 with Stephen F. Austin (301), McNeese State (302), Nicholls State (305) and Texas State (307) rounding out the field.

Sophomore Zack Reeves shot a front-nine 34 and finished with a three-under-par 69 to lead the Mavericks.

Senior Jeff Murray and junior Ryan Zamorano shot even-par 72 on the 7,108-yard layout. Junior Michael Douthit carded an opening round 74 and senior Tyrone Mordt had a 79.

"We just have to take the tournament slow and not get too excited," said UTA Men's Golf Coach Jay Rees. "The conditions were good today early and the wind picked up on some of the par 3s later in the day. It is a good start, now we will try to make the most of it.

"It is going to be about pitching and putting this week and we need to continue to do well with our short game."

Texas-San Antonio's John Elizondo led all golfers with a sparkling 67. In all, 12 golfers shot par or better.

The opening round 287 was two strokes better than the Mavs' 289 a year ago. UTA won the 2005 tournament by 13 strokes over ULM and 28 better than Lamar.

Second round action begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday. UTA will tee off at 10 a.m. and will be paired with players from Louisiana-Monroe and Texas-San Antonio.

- utamavs.com -