April 24, 2002

Navarre, Fla. - Freshman John Samaha turned in a three-day total of four-over par, 220, to lead the Charlotte 49ers to an eighth-place finish at the Conference USA Championships.

The 49ers posted three solid rounds and counted no score over 76 with a team that included no seniors and three first-year players.

TCU won the event with a three-day team score of 858 (291-283-284), while the 49ers finished at 885 (292-298-295). The three-day score of 885 was the 49ers second best, 54-hole total of the year.

Samaha (74-73-73 -- 220) posted his best 54-hole score of the year to place tied for 22nd, individually. Senior Mike Shamp rebounded with a final round 71 to finish at +5, 221 (76-74-71). Sophomore Scott McNeil, in his first year with the 49ers, and freshman Chris Lee, playing in just his second collegiate event, finished at +6, 222.

Team scores: 1.) TCU, 291-283-284 -- 858, 2.) Houston, 864, 3.) Southern Miss, 869, 4.) South Florida, 874, 5.) Louisville, 876, 6.) UAB, 878, 7.) East Carolina, 880, 8.) Charlotte, 885, 9.) Memphis, 887, 10.) Tulane, 892, 11.) Cincinnati, 896, 12.) DePaul, 903, 13.) Saint Louis, 909, 14.) Marquette, 920.

49ers Individuals:

John Samaha, 74-73-73 -- 220 (+4, T22nd)

Mike Shamp, 76-74-71 -- 221 (+5, T26th)

Scott McNeil, 70-76-76 -- 222 (+6, T30th)

Michael Jolly, 84-87-77 -- 248 (+32, 66th)