April 14, 2008

LAKE CHARLES, La. - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack golf team struggled out of the gate Monday afternoon in the opening round of the Southland Conference Championships at the Gray Plantation Golf Course in Lake Charles, La. The 'Jacks shot an opening-round 313 (+25) to finish the day in a two-way tie for ninth with McNeese State. Sam Houston State heads into the Tuesday's round with a one-stroke lead on the competition.

The 'Jacks are being led by a couple of freshmen. Michael Smith shot a four-over par, 76, to finish the day tied for 19th overall. Classmate Kyle Robbins is only two strokes back with an opening-round 78 to finish the day 28th overall.

Sophomore Ricky Wilkenfeld is only one stroke back of Robbins after recording a seven-over par, 79, Monday afternoon. Wilkenfeld is currently tied for 29th overall. Freshman Jacob Taylor finished the day tied for 36th overall with an eight-over 80. Sophomore Matt Oates rounded out the 'Jacks' scorecard with an opening-round 83. He is currently tied for 45th overall.

The Lumberjacks return to action at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning for the second round of the SLC Championships. Live scoring will be available throughout the tournament at www.sfajacks.com.

-SFA-

2008 SLC Championships
Gray Plantation G.C. - Lake Charles, La.
April 14, 2008
Teams	                     Score
1. Sam Houston State	     297 (+9)
2. Lamar	             298 (+10)
3. Texas State	             300 (+12)
4. Southeastern Louisiana    301 (+13)
5. Texas-Arlington	     302 (+14)
6. Central Arkansas	     308 (+20)
    Texas-San Antonio	     308 (+20)
8. Nicholls State	     310 (+22)
9. Stephen F. Austin	     313 (+25)
    McNeese State	     313 (+25)