March 17, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State men's golf team burned up the Stockdale Country Club Course Monday, carding two of the three lowest rounds in tournament history to take a commanding lead in the men's portion of the Elco, Inc., Intercollegiate Tournament.

Fresno shot a tournament-record 275 in the morning round, eclipsing the previous low of 278 set by Hawaii-Hilo set in the second round of the 2005 tournament. The Bulldogs came back to shoot 280 in the afternoon to finish the day at 21-under 555 to take a 21-stroke lead over host CSUB entering the final round.

The top `Dog is freshman Michael Gideon who is also the current individual leader. Gideon shot 69-68 to finish 7-under 137. Grant Doverspike and Bakersfield Brady Baguio are close behind at 5-under 139. Doverspike, who placed second last year, shot 69-70 on Monday. Todd Angel and Brad Wyatt are tied for fourth place with 4-under 140 shooting 68-72. Matt Ryan tied for 13th place with 78-71 - 149. Mark Pryor is playing as an individual for Fresno State and tied for 10th place with 75-73 - 148.

"We had a good day with a 21 stroke lead," said head coach Mike Watney. "It Is nice when a 72 is our throw out score in the second round. Everybody played solid on a good golf course. We put last week behind us, we knew that wasn't us, and today we proved we were a good team and it was fun to watch. We aren't going to relax tomorrow but I like our position."

The tournament is scored in two flights, Division I and non-Division I. Both played together and awards will be given to the top overall team and top overall individual. Fresno State and Michael Gideon are the top team and individual overall heading into the third round.

The Bulldogs will compete in the third and final round Tuesday at the Bakersfield Country Club with an 8 a.m. shotgun start.

"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Bulldogs will head to Santa Cruz to participate in the Western Intercollegiate March 26-27.