By BRIAN TYNES

Sports Writer

Tech's golf team hoped to use home-course advantage at the Louisiana Tech/Squire Creek Intercollegiate Classic Oct. 18-19 in Choudrant, but adverse weather conditions, a tough field and a key injury spoiled the bid.

Preston Smith, the Bulldogs' leading golfer, was unable to tee up in the final two rounds due to a shoulder injury.

"He was in a car wreck last year and had some damage to his rotator cuff," Tech's head coach Dr. Jean Hall said. "We're still waiting for the results of the MRI, but we know he will not participate in our next tournament."

Hall said he was dismayed by the performance of his team in Smith's absence.

"I was very disappointed that we did not play well," Hall said. "Derek [Busby] hit the ball well the entire tournament but did not score well. This was our worst showing of the year.

"There were some good teams, but we had played and beaten all of them earlier this year except [University of Texas at Arlington]."

Tech was in 17th place out of 17 teams after the first two rounds with a 629 at the par-72, 7,105-yard course and finished the tournament in the same position. UTA was in the lead after shooting 587 heading into the final round, and UTA held onto its lead and took the tournament title with a total team score of 879.

The University of Houston catapulted itself to 2nd place with the best third-round performance of the field when it posted a two-over par 290.

Stephen F. Austin University, Oral Roberts University and Rice University completed the top five.

The University of Louisiana-Monroe's Casey Russell placed first overall in individual competition with rounds of 73, 70 and 70 to finish with a three-under 213.

Logan Riester finished the tournament tied with five others for 27th and led the Bulldogs with a 10-over 226 through the 54 holes.

Busby, Jason Jenkins and Tyler Trichell finished tied for 33rd, 69th and 86th overall with tournament totals of 227, 237 and 248, respectively.

Smith shot an eight-over 80 in the first round before withdrawing from the tournament.

Riester and Busby tied for the best round among Bulldog golfers with a one-over 73. Riester shot his 73 in round two, and Busby achieved his best score in round three to give his outing a solid finish.

Hall said he has confidence in his team despite their dismal performance and is looking forward to hosting the Western Athletic Conference Championship in May.

"Everyone has been working hard," Hall said. "Our goal is to win every tournament, edspecially the WAC when we host the tournament."

Hall said the university can expect a good performance from his team in the conference championship.

"The competition is going to be good, but with our knowledge of the course and our continued improvement, I expect us to do very well," Hall said.

The Bulldogs will conclude their fall schedule at the South Alabama Fall Beach Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala., Oct. 31-Nov. 2.