The University of Tennessee at Martin opened its 2004 spring campaign with a ninth-place finish at the Samford Intercollegiate Golf Tournament at Farm Links Golf Course in Fayetteville, Ala.

"We didn't play a very good first round," said Jerry Carpenter, UTM golf coach.

UTM was scheduled to play 36 holes Monday, and finish the tournament with 18 Tuesday. But the weather didn't cooperate. Rain and cold temperatures forced officials to stop play after 18 holes Monday. Later that afternoon the players were allowed to play nine more holes.

"We just didn't play real well, and the weather wasn't real good, but it was the same for everyone," said Carpenter. The Skyhawks fired a 310 as a team in the first 18 holes, and came back later Monday with a 157 on nine.

UTM fired a 296 on Tuesday to wrap up the tournament. "We played as well as anyone in the final 18," said Carpenter. Trey McNeil, UTM freshman, fired a one-under par, 71 in the opening round.

"I'm real proud of Trey, he had a great tournament," said Carpenter.

After a nine-hole round of four-over par, McNeil came back to play even on Tuesday in the final 18 to finish sixth in the tournament at three-over par.

UTM sophomore Reise Kelly finished tied for 23rd place at nine over, while senior Scott Carpenter was 11 over for a tie at 30th. "I was glad we got our younger kids some playing experience," said Carpenter.

Tennessee State University won the tournament with a 718. Eastern Kentucky was second, and Birmingham Southern finished third.

UTM returns to action Monday and Tuesday as it host the Tri-State Classic at Pickwick Landing.