February 19, 2012

RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico –Andy Knox fired an opening-round 70 to lead UNCG men's golf team to solid start at the Puerto Rico Classic, which opened play Sunday at Rio Mar Country Club.

Playing in a field which includes eight of the top 40-ranked teams in the country, the Spartans are 11th after shooting 296 on Sunday. No. 8 Alabama leads the field after shooting 276.

At 2-under par, Knox is tied with 10 others and three shots behind individual leader Justin Thomas (67) of Alabama.

Will Almand and Robert Hoadley are tied for 42nd for the Spartans after shooting 75. Colin Chapman is tied for 49th after shooting 76, and Alex Ehlert is tied for 61st with a 78.

The second round and third rounds are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

11     UNCG         296     296
T6     Andy Knox (1)     70     70
T42     Will Almand (3)     75     75
T42     Robert Hoadley     75     75
T49     Colin Chapman    76     76
T61     Alex Ehlert    78     78

1     Alabama     276     -12
2     Clemson     283     -5
3     Oklahoma     284    -4
T4     Texas         288    E
T4     Virginia Tech     288    E
T6     Georgia         289    +1
T6     Purdue         289     +1
8     Georgia Tech     290     +2
9     NC State     292     +4
10     Oklahoma State     294    +6
11     UNCG         296    +8
12     North Carolina     302     +14
13     Ohio State     303    +15
T14     East Tenn. State     306    +18
T14     Michigan     306    +18

--UNCG--