July 16, 2008

TOKYO GOLF CLUB, Japan -- The United States won three matches and halved another to claim a 7-5 lead after the first round of the 33rd annual Fuji Xerox USA vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Championship at Tokyo Golf Club.

Team USA got off to a quick start when Kevin O'Connell carded a four-under as he and partner Zack Sucher dominated the match, winning 140-153 in the opening round's partner match play. The Americans would also claim the second match when Brent Witcher and Chris Wolfe downed Hiroki Abe and Hiroki Nashida 142-143. Witcher was also four-under in his match. Japan would claim the next match 138-141 when Yuki Usami and Shunsuke Sonoda beat Nick Bova and Ryan Spears. The two sides halved the final men's match after a strong rally by Sam Cyr and Andrew Putnam.

The two teams would split the women's matches. Nanae Shinzato and Kaoria Azuma defeated Sydnee Michaels and Lizette Salas, 145-147. America claimed the final match of the day when Cydney Clanton's five-under-par 69 propelled her and Jessica Yadloczky to a 146-151 victory.

O'Connell, ACC Freshmen of the Year and PING All-America Third Team, continued his strong play overseas with a four-under par. The Cary, NC native carded seven top-10 finishes in Carolina's eleven tournaments over the fall and spring. Past rosters for the co-ed event, in its 33rd year, have included such names as Curtis Strange, former Carolina alum Davis Love III, David Toms, Juli Inkster and Dottie Pepper. O'Connell will face off against Japan's Hiroki Nishida Thursday in individual match play. Stay tuned to tarheelblue.com for further updates.