Nov. 7, 2006

SAN MARTIN, Calif. - Juniors Casey Clendenon and Dawie Van Der Walt both posted Top 10 finishes, helping Lamar University tie for fifth place following Tuesday's final round at the CordeValle Collegiate hosted by UCLA at CordeValle Country Club (Par-72, 7,119-yards).

Most of the field had to complete its second round Wednesday morning before starting their third round because play was postponed Monday night due to darkness.

Lamar, who finished its second round at even-par 288, fired a final round 7-under 281 for a 54-hole total of 15-under 280-288-281--849. Stanford, who shot a 15-under 273 in the second round, closed with a 20-under 268 to win the team championship with a 54-hole total of 42-under 822. Southern California fired a 19-under 269 Tuesday to finish second at 28-under 836. Arizona was third at 842, followed by Coastal Carolina (847).

"I'm really proud of the way Casey and Dawie played, but it's a little disappointing to hold the first round lead and wind up finishing fifth," said first-year Lamar coach Brian White. "We hit the ball fantastic this week, but our putting didn't match the level of our ball striking. The course played easy and the greens were in perfect condition. There were low scores out there to shoot; we just couldn't make enough putts."

Clendenon, who wrapped up a 2-under 70 early Wednesday morning, fired a final round 3-under 69 to place sixth with a 54-hole score of 68-70-69--207 (-9). After opening with eight straight pars, Clendenon made a bogey on the par-4 14th hole. A Katy native, he closed his round with five birdies over the final 10 holes.

Van Der Walt, a native of Cape Town, South Africa, matched Clendenon's final round of 3-under 69. After a bogey on the par-4 11th hole, Van Der Walt birdied four of his final 10 holes, including three straight. He placed seventh with a 54-hole score of 68-71-69--208 (-8).

Rob Grube and Zack Miller of Stanford tied for medalist honors at 14-under 202. Jamie Lovemark of Southern California was third at 12-under 204.

Oliver Bekker, a sophomore from Stellenbosch, South Africa, posted a 74 in the second round and closed with a 1-under 71 to tie for 33rd place at 71-74-71--216 (E). Dusty Smith, a senior from The Woodlands, closed with a final round even-par 72 and tied for 43rd at 73-73-72--146 (+2). Justin Harding, a sophomore from Cape Town, South Africa, tied for 84th at 74-79-75--228.

This was the Cardinals' final tournament of the fall season. Lamar opens the spring season Feb. 26-27 at the All-American Intercollegiate hosted by the University of Houston at Cypresswood Golf Club.