The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate
UAB Sits Fourth After Even-Par Second At Jerry Pate
10/6/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. - An even-par second round moved the UAB men's golf team up one spot into a tie for fourth place after 36 holes at the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate on Monday.
"The guys did really well today," said head coach Alan Murray. "We had a tough side of the draw without a doubt, having to start on hole 10. It's almost impossible to be under par because the holes are so tough. The guys really dug deep and battled tremendously throughout the day. They played some excellent golf at times too and showed their quality."
The Blazers were fifth after a first round 289 (+9), then the team rallied to shoot a 290 (E) in the second round and total 569 (+9) for the day. UAB is currently in a three-way tie for fourth with UNLV and Arkansas.
Alabama leads the tournament with a 553 (-7), while Florida State and Georgia Tech are knotted in second with a 563 (+3).
UAB's five players all finished within six strokes of each other as everyone contributed on the first day. In the second round, junior Will Cannon sunk an eagle on the 16th hole to finish 1-under. Freshmen Lee Hodges and Taylor McCullum each carded a 70 (E), while senior Paul Dunne and junior Martin Rohwer each recorded a 71 (+1).
"I am really proud of Will Cannon's finish in round two," Murray remarked. "He hit a birdie, eagle then two pars to close out the round when we really needed it. Throwing out a 71 on that golf course in round two is a good place to be."
Rohwer finished with a 1-over 141 to lead the Blazer lineup through the first two rounds. He was three-over through the first nine holes in the first round, but finished with four birdies on the back nine for an even 70. He is currently tied for 10th individually.
Just behind Rohwer was Dunne, who carded a 142 (+2). He shot 71 (+1) for both the rounds on Monday and is in a tie for 18th. Freshman Lee Hodges is a stroke-back from Dunne with a 2-over 143 to be tied for 20th.
McCullum is tied for 19th with a two-round total of 145 (+5). He shot a 75 (+5) through the first 18 holes, before scoring his career-best round of 70 (E) in the second. Cannon had a great second round with a 1-under 69, which included an eagle and two birdies, after a first round 78 (+8).
"We are looking forward to tomorrow and trying to claw our way up the leaderboard." Murray said.
UAB will begin the final round at 8:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday morning, with 10 minutes between each group. The Blazers are set to tee-off from the first hole.
For the latest news on Blazer sports, follow the UAB Athletics Twitter account: @UABathletics. For men's golf news, follow @UAB_MensGolf.
