Feb. 18, 2008

HOUSTON - Louisiana Tech opens its 2008 spring golf season Monday when head coach Jean Hall and the Bulldogs compete in the 8th Annual Rice Intercollegiate presented by Srixon at Westwood Golf Club.

The 12-team field will play 36 continuous holes Monday, with rounds starting at both the first and 10th tees. Both the first and 10th tees will again be utilized Tuesday for the tournament's final 18 holes. Tee times begin both days at 7:45 a.m.

Included in the tournament field is regional power Baylor as well as Conference USA rival Memphis. Also taking part in the tournament is College of Charleston, Louisiana Tech, Nebraska, Pacific, Southern Utah, Texas Southern, UC Davis, William & Mary and Winthrop.

Weather may not play much of a factor as temperatures in the high 60s for Sunday's practice round is expected to give way to mid-60s on both Monday and Tuesday with just a slight chance for rain.

Last year Sam Houston State captured the team title by five strokes over Southeastern Louisiana. Playing as an individual, Southeastern's Aaron O'Callaghan shot a final round 69 to finish with a 217 to force a playoff with College of Charleston's Harrison Moore.