April 3, 2006

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Freshman Oliver Bekker fired an opening round six-under par 66 to lead the field individually and Lamar leads the 12-team field following Monday's opening round at the Bridgestone Intercollegiate hosted by UNC-Greensboro at Forest Oaks Country Club (Par-72, 7,197-yards).

The tournament has been plagued by rainy weather. After a two hour weather delay in the morning, all 12 teams were able to finish the first round. However, the coaches and tournament committee mutually agreed to shorten the tournament to 36 holes. The teams will play the final 18 holes today beginning at 8 a.m.

Bekker, a native of Stellenbosch, South Africa, posted nine birdies and three bogeys during his round of 6-under 66, which tied his career-low round. Andy Pope of Xavier is second after opening with a 4-under 68.

Lamar fired a 7-under 281 team total Monday. Xavier is second at 4-under 284. Maryland and Wichita State are tied for third in the 12-team field at 291.

Casey Clendenon, a sophomore from Katy, fired a 3-under 69 Monday and is tied for third place. His round included four birdies and one eagle when he holed out from the fairway on the par-4 16th hole. Dusty Smith, a junior from The Woodlands, shot an even-par 72 and is tied for ninth place. His round included three birdies and three bogeys.

Andrew Landry, a freshman from Port Neches, opened with a 2-over 74 and is tied for 23rd place. Dawie Van Der Walt, a sophomore from Cape Town, South Africa, shot a first round 77 and is tied for 43rd place.