April 8, 2005

RALEIGH, NC - Sixth-ranked Wake Forest, looking for its first team tournament win since the spring of 2003, is in the driver's seat at the rain-shortened Courtyard by Marriott Collegiate.

The 15-team field was scheduled to play 36 holes today at the par 72 Devils Ridge Golf Club, but rain halted play with teams mid-way through their second 18 holes. The tournament has been shortened to 36 holes and the teams will finish play Saturday morning.

Wake Forest will take a three-stroke lead over Duke into Sunday. The Deacons, at 20-under par, have less than six holes remaining. Duke is at 17-under, followed by Georgia Southern (-14), Virginia (-9), NC State (-8) and Tennessee (-6).

The Demon Deacons shot a 9-under 279 in the first round and are on pace for one of the best team rounds in school history in the second round. Wake is 11-under so far in the second round.

Four of Wake Forest's five golfers are under par, including freshman Webb Simpson who is in second place at 9-under. Simpson, who was 2-under on the first 18 holes, was red-hot on the second 18 including an eagle on the par 5 13th hole. Simpson is three strokes behind tournament leader Aron Price of Georgia Southern, who is 12-under.

Deacon junior Kyle Reifers is in sixth place at 6-under par. Junior Doug Manchester is 3-under and tied for 11th place. Sophomore Sean Moore is tied for 14th at 2-under. Freshman Chris McCartin is 2-over and tied for 42nd.

The Courtyard by Marriott Collegiate is WFU's final event before the ACC Championships April 15-17 at Uwharrie Point, NC.