Oct. 23, 2006

Somis, Calif. - Senior Ricky Romano stands in third place and the University of Houston men's golf team stands in fifth place after the first two rounds of The Club Glove Intercollegiate Tournament that is hosted by Pepperdine at the Saticoy Country Club.

Romano, a 2005-06 All-Conference USA Second team performer, shot an even par 72 in the first round and three over par 75 in the second round. He is tied with New Mexico's Charlie Beljan for third place, one shot back of Lamar's Oliver Bekker and Jason Kokrak of Xavier, who are tied for the lead with a two-over par 146 after the first two rounds.

Lamar holds the team lead heading into Tuesday's final round with a combined score of 594, while Louisville is in second place two strokes back with 596. The host school, Pepperdine, has a score of 599, while New Mexico is in fourth place with a score of 605. Houston is five shots back of the Lobos and in fifth place.

Houston's other golfers include Pablo Acuna, who is tied for 22nd place with a 10-over-par score of 154. Jordan Irwin is tied for 26th place and one shot back of Acuna at 11 overall, and Todd Bissenden is tied for 29th place with a score of 12 over par. Houston's other competitor Rian Butler is tied for 31st place at 13 over.

The Club Glove Intercollegiate concludes on Tuesday with the third and final round being played on the par 72, 6,985-yard course.