HOT SPRINGS, Va. (April 20, 2007) -- The Georgia State men's golf team did what was needed in order to set the tone for a Colonial Athletic Association title defense by firing a 292 to lead the CAA Championships at The Homestead (Cascades Golf Club).

VCU sits in second-place with a 294 and Old Dominion is in third with a 295.

"It was a perfect day with perfect weather," said head coach Matt Clark. "We started out a little slow but we had a really solid last few holes that allowed us to take the lead."

Sophomore Mark Haastrup is also in good position to defend his 2006 medalist honors by opening with a 70. Haastrup is tied for third-place and one-shot behind the leaders.

Senior Ben Taylor is tied for sixth-place after opening with a 73. Junior Joel Sjoholm opened with a 74 and is tied for 11th-place. Senior Derek Oakey and freshman Tom Sherreard both shot 75s to earn a tie for 15th-place.

State will tee off Saturday morning at 12:11 p.m. and is paired with VCU and Old Dominion.

CAA Championships
The Homestead (Cascades Golf Club)
6,679-yards, Par 70
1. Georgia State Univ. 292
2. VCU 294
T3. Old Dominion Univ. 295
T3. Delaware, U. of 295
5. Towson University 299
6. Wm. & Mary, Coll. of 300
7. Drexel University 302
8. UNC Wilmington 304
9. James Madison Univ. 309
10. Hofstra University 310
11. George Mason Univ. 318

Individual Scores:
T3. Mark Haastrup Georgia St 35- 35 70
T6. Ben Taylor Georgia St 36- 37 73
T11. Joel Sjoholm Georgia St 36- 38 74
T15. Tom Sherreard Georgia St 38- 37 75
T15. Derek Oakey Georgia St 38- 37 75