March 26, 2006

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The University of Houston golf team wraps up a busy month of March when it begins play at the UALR/First Tee Collegiate Classic.

The tournament begins with the first 36 holes to be played Monday on the 7,122-yard, par-72 course at Chenal Country Club. It wraps up with the final 18 holes Tuesday morning.

This will be the fourth and final tournament for the Cougars in the month of March. Although the team finished sixth at the Border Olympics in their last outing on March 17-18, the Cougars won each of their first three tournaments in the month and four consecutive overall.

It was the first time since 1984-85 that the Cougars reeled off that many consecutive team tournament championships.

Juniors Ricky Romano and Pablo Acuna are tied for the team lead with a 72.1 scoring average with sophomore Jordan Irwin ranking third at 73.0. Seniors Zach Mowbray and Kevin Newman also are scheduled to compete for the Cougars.

A year ago, the Cougars finished fifth at this tournament with a team score of 882. Acuna led the way after shooting 1-over-par 217 to tie for fourth place.