May 16, 2003

AUBURN, Wash. - The UNLV men's golf team sits in fourth place after playing 36 holes at the NCAA West Regional on Friday at nine strokes over par.

After poor weather forced the suspension of the Rebels' opening round on Thursday at the Washington National Golf Club (Par 72, 7,183 Yards), UNLV bounced back with a strong 36-hole effort on Friday. It shots rounds of 296 and 289, and at nine-over par, enjoys a nine-stroke lead over Washington and San Diego State in 10th place. The top 10 teams qualify and advance to the NCAA Championship in Stillwater, Okla., next week.

Despite the solid team rounds, the Rebels sit 14 strokes behind UCLA, which holds the lead after two rounds.

Individually, New Mexico's Michael Letzig set the pace. With rounds of 69 and 68, Letzig is seven-under par and leads the event by two strokes.

The top Rebel after two rounds is freshman Ryan Keeney, who is tied for 12th individually at one-over par.

Brien Davis carded the team's best round of the day, shooting 70 in his nightcap to finish the day at two-over par. He is tied for 19th place with 10 other players, including teammate Travis Whisman, who shot rounds of 72 and 74.

Sophomore All-American Ryan Moore struggled a bit on Friday, carding consecutive 74s. He is tied for 37th.

Rounding out the Rebel lineup was JC Deacon, who sits in 79th after rounds of 78 and 75.

The Rebels will begin Saturday's final round at 7:30 a.m.