Feb. 22, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - The Bulldogs took seventh place Friday at the John Burns Intercollegiate in Hawaii. The `Dogs fought hard and played solid up against some of the top teams in the nation. Fresno State posted 283-279-284 - 846 to finish 18-under par at the Leilehua Golf Course.

No. 14 Auburn in the latest Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches' Poll played solid all three rounds and never relinquished the lead. They broke the tournament record by three strokes with a total score of 820.

Todd Angel had two back-to-back solid rounds posting a 68 in the second and third round to finish with 8-under par 208. Angel led the `Dogs to tied for 10th place. Freshman Michael Gideon played good golf with rounds of 71-69-71 - 211 to finish tied for 27th along with teammate Matt Ryan (71-70-70 - 211). Brad Wyatt and Grant Doverspike both shot a 75 today. Doverspike finished at even par 216 after battling a sprained thumb and the flu and Wyatt finished 13-over to tie for 104.

"We beat several teams that are ranked in front of us, Akansas, BYU, Arizona, so overall this is a positive finish for us," said head coach Mike Watney. "We need to keep improving but we are looking forward to our next tournament."

Stephen Hale of Cal won the individual title at -15.

With 21 teams in the field, including No. 14 Auburn, Fresno State beat some quality teams to help solidify it's chances for an NCAA berth.

The Bulldogs will take a week off before heading to southern California for the USC SW Invitational March 3-4.

"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State women's golf team opens the 2008 spring season at home as they host the Kitahara Fresno State Invitational at Copper River Country Club February 25 and 26. Admission is free to the public to watch.