May 27, 2003

STILLWATER, Okla. - The No. 8 UNLV men's golf team struggled in the first round of the NCAA Championship, firing a team 313 and tying for 21st place at Karsten Creek Golf Course on Tuesday.

The Rebels counted a 76, a 77 and two 80s toward their 25-over par team total. They sit 14 strokes out of the lead which is shared by four teams at 11-over par.

Leading the way for UNLV was sophomore Ryan Moore. After beginning his round with three bogeys and a triple, Moore settled down and saved a solid score with three birdies on the back. He finished the day with a 76 and is tied for 44th.

Travis Whisman sits one stroke behind Moore, finishing the day with a 77 and tied for 59th overall. Whisman scored seven bogeys through his first 12 holes before three birdies in the last four holes saved his round.

Rounding out the team total were a pair of 80s from JC Deacon and Ryan Keeney. Both are tied for 98th place in the 156-participant field.

UNLV discarded an 81 from Brien Davis.

Host Oklahoma State headlines a four-way tie for the top team spot after one round. The Cowboys are tied with North Carolina State, Clemson and Auburn at 11-over par. Auburn's Lee Williams holds the individual lead after carding a first-round 69.

The Rebels will begin their second round at 12:45 p.m. CDT on Wednesday at the par-72, 7,095-yard Karsten Creek Golf Course.