JACKSON, Tenn. (3/15/11) - Senior Warren Hood tied for sixth place to lead the Arkansas State men's golf team to a fifth place finish out of 15 teams at the Grover Page Classic, marking the second consecutive tournament the Red Wolves have finished among the top five teams.

The Red Wolves shot a three-round 900, which included a low round of 288 posted for the second 18 holes. After close to a four-hour rain delay Monday, A-State shot an opening round 302 to complete the day in ninth place.

The second 18 holes were suspended due to darkness, but the Red Wolves came back Tuesday to complete the round with a 14-stroke improvement to move up to fifth place in the standings. ASU's second-round 288 was the fourth lowest round among all teams at the tournament.

While the Red Wolves shot a 310 to close the tournament, it was enough to edge Tennessee State, Union University and Jackson State by one stroke and hold their standing at fifth place.

"We obviously didn't put our best foot forward, but I was proud of the guys for rallying in the second round," said ASU head coach Steve Johnson. "Still, we've got to work on some things through spring break and perform better our next time out."

The Red Wolves collected their sixth top-10 finish of the year. Murray State claimed the title with an 862, while Morehead State finished second with an 884 and Tennessee Tech third with an 885.

Hood's finish was his best since tying for fifth place at the Memphis Intercollegiate his sophomore season. He posted a combined 219, which matched his lowest three-round score of the season. His 219 included a second-round 70 that was not only the lowest score by an ASU player at the tournament, but also tied his lowest round this season.

Competing as an individual, freshman Chance Holden tied for 20th place to join Hood among the top-25 individual finishers. While Holden's combined 223 wasn't his lowest three-round score of the season, he picked up his best finish of his young career.

"I'm real proud of Warren and Chance for the way they played," said Johnson.  "Just a freshman, Chance got his first top-20 finish and that shows signs of improvement."

Also competing for A-State, Lloyd du Preez finished tied for 28th place with a 226, Chris Pledger and Cory Williamson tied for 36th with a 228 and Matt Howton tied for 61st place with a 234.

"Chris Pledger has fought back problems the last two tournaments and he easily could've pulled up and sat this one out, but I'm extremely proud of him for choosing to play and carry his bag all 54 holes," said Johnson.

The Red Wolves return to action March 24-25 at the Barona Cup, hosted by San Diego State, in San Diego, Calif.

ARKANSAS STATE RESULTS
Place, Name (RD1-RD2-RD3--TOTAL)
5, Arkansas State (302-288-310--900)
T6, Warren Hood (74-70-75--219)
T20, *Chance Holden (72-72-79--223)
T28, Lloyd du Preez (76-71-79--226)
T36, Chris Pledger (76-73-79--228)
T36, Cory Williamson (77-74-77--228)
T61, Matt Howton (76-79-79--234)
*Competing as an individual

Story and picture care of Arkansas State University Sports Information.