University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics
Caribbean Shootout
Goins, Spartans Look for Tournament Titles at Caribbean Intercollegiate
3/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Ponce, Puerto Rico – Adam Goins recorded five birdies and shot a 68 to vault into the individual lead after 36 holes and USC Upstate maintained its position atop the leaderboard at the Caribbean Intercollegiate Monday afternoon. The Spartans are in position to win a team and individual championship heading into the final round on Wednesday.
Goins, from Gaffney, S.C., was simply strong throughout the round. He made just one bogey and played with confidence throughout to post 4-under-par for the round. The performance moved him to the top of the leaderboard at 7-under, two strokes ahead of four players tied for second at 5-under.
Goins and fellow Gaffney native Matthew Hopper led Upstate on the day. Hopper also turned in a 68 to help the Spartans shoot a 282, one stroke better than Monday's opening round 283. Upstate maintained its position atop the leaderboard and owns an 11-under-par score and a five stroke lead heading into the final round on Wednesday.
"Adam loves playing this course and is playing with confidence," said Upstate head coach Todd Lawton. "As a team, we went back to the practice facility this afternoon. We stayed for quite a while and were the only team left. We can accomplish a lot by staying with the plan we have had since we arrived. We've been patient and only aggressive in places that allow it. It has worked so far."
"The course really fits my eyes and I love the greens," said Goins who is position to win his first collegiate tournament. "I want to stay focused on each shot tomorrow."
Hopper used his 68 to springboard up the leaderboard and stands tied for sixth at 3-under for the tournament. He made six birdies and two bogeys on the day, finishing strong with a birdie on No. 18.
Brian Horton (Boiling Springs, S.C.) started the day in the lead, but struggled to a 75. He had three double bogeys, but recovered to birdie No. 17 and 18 to close out the round on a good note. Despite the 75, he is tied for ninth at 2-under, giving Upstate three players in the top 10.
Nelson Dickson (Boiling Springs, S.C.) is tied for 20th after turning in an even-par 72, while Brad Sill totaled a 74 on the day. Kevin Hentz, playing as an individual, shot a 76 on Tuesday to follow his 72 on Monday.
"Nelson played well and helped keep us in the lead," said Lawton. "Brad is hitting the ball well and just missed several putts to keep him from going low. Kevin has played a solid tournament and has been poised in only his second career event."
While several Upstate individuals are in position to battle for the individual championship, Upstate looks to secure its first team championship since last year's win in the Palmas Del Mar Collegiate Classic in Humacao, Puerto Rico. With a 565 36-hole total, the Spartans lead by five and are in position to claim the title. Johnson & Wales is second at 570 and is followed by St. John's (571), Nova Southeastern (573), Old Dominion (580), Savannah State (592), Wilmington (592), Connecticut (594), Tampa (599), California (Pa.) (608) and Lincoln (642).
