March 27, 2005

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The University of Houston golf team wraps up a busy month of March on Monday when it competes at the First Tee/UALR Collegiate Classic at Chenal Country Club.

The Cougars join host Arkansas-Little Rock, Arkansas State, Ball State, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Louisville, McNeese State, Middle Tennessee, North Texas, Northern Colorado, Oral Roberts, Sam Houston State, Southwest Missouri State, Stephen F. Austin and Wyoming on the 7,122-yard, par-72 course.

This will be the Cougars' fifth tournament in the month of March alone and their second tournament in a five-day span. UH comes into the tournament after finishing fifth at the Border Olympics on Saturday. At that event, sophomore Pablo Acuna finished in a tie for fourth after shooting a 1-over-par 217 through 54 holes.

The tournament begins with 36 holes Monday morning and concludes with the final 18 holes scheduled to start Tuesday morning.

Sophomore Ricky Romano continues to lead the Cougars with his 73.2 scoring average, while Acuna is a close second at 73.8. Acuna and teammates Jordan Irwin, Kevin Newman and Adam Young are also scheduled to compete on Monday.

This will be the first time that the Cougars have compete at this tournament.