March 11, 2008

RESULTS

LAFAYETTE, La. - Senior Jordan Utley was the runner-up as the Richmond men's golf team posted its fifth-straight top-5 finish, taking fourth at the Louisiana Classics, played Monday and Tuesday at Oakbourne Country Club.

Richmond finished the 54-hole tournament at 21-over-par 885, one shot behind third-place Illinois. The Spiders entered the final round in second place, but shot 10-over 298 Tuesday after rounds of 296 and 291 on Monday. Colorado, which led the Spiders by just four shots entering the final round, shot a 9-under 279 Tuesday to win the tournament at 2-under-par. Southern Methodist took second at 11-over.

"We feel like we're getting closer and closer to where we need to be," Richmond head coach Adam Decker said. "We're competing for a championship on the last day. We just have to start closing tournaments out strong."

Utley's second place finish was his third top-3 finish of the year and his fifth-straight top-10 finish. He led Southern Methodist's Kelly Kraft by one shot entering Tuesday's final round, but shot a 2-over 74, compared to Kraft's 2-under 70. Utley has won two collegiate tournaments, including the ODU/Seascape Invitational to close the fall season.

"Jordan faltered a little bit today, but he's playing great golf and that is a great finish in a tough field," Decker said.

The Spiders' scoring leader finished the tournament at 2-under-par 214 (69-71-74), his third tournament in the red this year. Eight of Utley's last 10 rounds have been at par or below and he has six sub-par rounds this year, including the first and second rounds Monday.

Richmond Junior Tim Courtney tied for 17th at 5-over 221. Courtney shot a 4-over 75 on Tuesday after a 75 and 2-under 70 on Monday. Sophomore Robert Lindstrom tied for 34th at 8-over 224, shooting a 1-under-par 71 Tuesday after a 79 and 74 on Monday.

Senior Billy Hanes took 57th at 229 (76-76-77) and junior Grant Rafield tied for 58th at 230 (76-77-77).

Richmond returns to action on Monday and Tuesday at the William & Mary Invitational at Kingsmill Country Club in Williamsburg.