Sept. 30, 2007

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Lamar University, behind solid play from sophomore Hugues Joannes, is in sixth play following Sunday's first round at the Irish Gridiron Golf Classic hosted by Notre Dame at Warren Golf Club (Par-72, 7,023-yards).

Joannes, a native of Brussels, Belgium, turned in the Cardinals' best round of the day with a 2-over par 70, which is tied for 12th place. His round included four birdies and six bogeys.

Graham Baillargeon of Michigan State and Doug Fortner of Notre Dame both shot 2-under 68 to share the 18-hole lead. Todd Larson of Iowa and Colton Williams of Baylor are tied for third following rounds of 69.

Michigan State holds the 18-hole team lead after an opening round of 5-over 285. Baylor is second at 288, followed by host Notre Dame (289), Virginia (293) and North Florida (295) to round out the top five in the 12-team field. Lamar opened with a 296 and is in sixth place.

Justin Harding, a junior from Cape Town, South Africa, had a roller coaster opening round of 3-over 73, which is tied for 17th. He made five birdies, five bogeys and one triple-bogey. Russell Helson, a senior from Georgetown, is tied for 21st after an opening round 74. He made one birdie and five bogeys.

Leroux Ferriera, a junior from South Africa, posted an opening round 77 and is tied for 42nd place. Casey Clendenon, a senior from Katy, shot an opening round 78 and is tied for 51st.

The field will play 18 holes Monday and 18 more Tuesday to complete the 54-hole event. Tee times will begin 8 a.m. each day.