April 14, 2008

Complete Day One Results in PDF Format

Charlotte, N.C. - In a strong field consisting of five teams ranked in the top 100 in the latest Golfstat rankings, the USC Upstate men's golf team finished day one with a 36-hole 577 total to stand third in the 14-team Palisades Collegiate Classic Monday afternoon.

The tournament will conclude with 18 holes Tuesday afternoon at the 6,797 yard, par-72 Palisades Country Club course.

Upstate's 577 was highlighted by a 280 turned in by the Spartans in the first round. The 280 total was one stroke off of the school record 279 shot back in the fall in the second round of the Frank Landrey Invitational. The Spartans trail tournament leader Charlotte by 15 strokes entering the final round. Charlotte, ranked fourth in the latest Golf Coaches Association of America Top 25 poll and fifth in the latest Golfstat rankings, shot a 36-hole total of 562. The 49ers are 14 shots ahead of Augusta State, which turned in a 576 total. The Jaguars are ranked 48th in the nation in the Golfstat rankings and are just one stroke ahead of Upstate.

"This morning's 280 was a special round and really set a good tone for the day," said Upstate head coach Todd Lawton. "I am proud of the way the guys played. To be in the final pairing with two historically strong programs is an honor, and I know the guys are excited about the challenge and looking forward to the round."

Marquette and Virginia Commonwealth are tied for fourth in the tournament with a 579 total, two strokes back of Upstate. Marquette is ranked 69th in the Golfstat rankings, while Virginia Commonwealth is 93rd. Old Dominion and Xavier are tied for sixth with a 581 total. UNC Greensboro, Belmont Abbey and Campbell are tied for eighth at 583. Francis Marion is 11th with a 588 total and is followed by Nebraska (595), Eastern Michigan (600) and Davidson (621).

Upstate came out on fire in the first round with Tyler Tucker and Josh Gallman leading the way. Tucker tied the single-round school record with a 67 to pace the Spartans to a 280. Upstate was in second place behind fourth-ranked Charlotte, which turned in a 279 to open the tournament. Tucker's opening round was also the lowest round of the first 18, having birdied his first four holes of the day.

"What can you say about Tyler's 67 in the first round," said Lawton. "The round was the best of the day and paced the team to a solid showing."

Gallman finished with the second lowest score in the first round with a 68. Tucker and Gallman combined to finish 9-under-par in the first round. Michael Lawrence shot an even-par 72, while Baxter Culler turned in a solid 73 to give the Spartans their 280 total. Jamie Lightsey added an 83.

In cold and blustery conditions in the afternoon, Upstate's scores went up as the Spartans posted a 297 in the afternoon. However, Gallman continued his strong play, turning in a 3-under-par 69 to finish with a 7-under 137 total for the day. The 7-under total placed Gallman in a tie for second entering the final round. Gallman is tied with Augusta State's Tarik Can. The two are one stroke off the lead held by Campbell's Fredric Sundberg who turned in back-to-back 68s.

"Josh's performance represents well his accomplishments of the entire year and his preparation for each round," said Lawton. "I am excited to see him in the final group."

Tucker finished the day with a 145 total and is tied for 22nd entering Tuesday's final round. Michael Lawrence is tied for 35th after turning in a 148 total. Baxter Culler is tied for 54th with a 152 total, while Jamie Lightsey shaved off nine strokes from the first round to the second and is tied for 70th with a 157 total.