April 23, 2004

PALADINS IN LEAD AT ANDREA BROTTO CLASSIC

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia -- Furman’s Paladin golf team holds a four stroke lead after rounds of 288-285 Friday at the University of Virginia’s Andrea Brotto Classic in Charlottesville, Va. Furman was paced on the day by sophomore T.J. Blandford, who carded 72-67 at the 6,875-yard, par 72 Birdwood Golf Course, and is tied for individual honors at 139 with Andrea Signor of the Italian National Team.

Three strokes behind Blandford is reigning Southern Conference Champion Matt Davidson, who shot 70-72 on Friday and is tied for fifth. Senior Buddy Davis and junior Rob Langley are tied for 14th at 146, while sophomore Shane Birckbichler (Greenville, S.C.) is tied for 39th after rounds of 77-76. Furman’s two-round 573 total is four strokes better than UNC Wilmington, and five ahead of the Tar Heels of North Carolina.

The Paladins teed off in the Andrea Brotto Classic on the heels of winning the Southern Conference Championship on Tuesday. In addition to the conference title, the Paladins have won the Wofford Invitational and the Furman Intercollegiate, all since late March, and placed second in the LSU Spring Invitational April 2-4.

The third and final round of the Andrea Brotto Classic is slated for Saturday at the Birdwood Golf Course. Furman last won the University of Virginia’s Tournament in its inaugural year - 1986.

Furman Results
1st Furman Team 288-285=573

Furman Individuals
T1st T.J. Blandford 72-67=139
T5th Matt Davidson 70-72=142
T14th Buddy Davis 71-75=146
T14th Rob Langley 75-71=146
T39th Shane Birckbichler 77-76=153