Feb. 23, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla.--The University of Memphis golf team is in 18th place after two rounds at the Rio Pinar Invitational. The tournament is being held at the Rio Pinar Country Club, with UCF serving as the tournament's host school.

Mark Trow fired rounds of 76-69 on day one to lead the Tigers. He is currently in a tie for 18th place, putting him in prime position to capture his first top-20 finish of the season. Brandon Bunn carded round of 73-74 to get into a tie for 31st. Senior Jordan Payne posted rounds of 75-80 to finish in a tie for 90th. Brad Benjamin turned in rounds of 78-79 and Jeff Hall carded rounds of 77-82. The two are in a tie for 97th and 103rd, respectively.

"We struggled a little bit today," said Tiger head coach Grant Robbins. "I could definitely tell they were a little rusty coming off the winter break, but I was extremely pleased with how Mark and Brandon competed. I fully expect our two seniors to step it up tomorrow."

Memphis posted a first day team total of 603 (302-301), good for 18th place.

#24 UCF leads the tournament, firing a two-round total of 571 (294-277), putting them five shots ahead of second-place Louisville, which posted rounds of 283-292.

Blayne Barber of UCF fired an eight-under-par second round 64 and posted a two-round total of 135 to grab a four shot lead over Bobby Massa of Texas-Arlington in the individual competition. Massa carded rounds of 70-69.

The Tigers will wrap up their play at the Rio Pinar Invitational tomorrow morning, February 24, when the third and final round tees off at 7:30 a.m. (CT).

Memphis Individuals: T 18 Mark Trow 76 69 145 T 31 Brandon Bunn 74 73 147 T 90 Jordan Payne 75 80 155 T 97 Brad Benjamin 78 79 157 103 Jeff Hall 77 82 159