AIKEN, S.C.– East Carolina senior Brandon Pace fired a two-round score of 141 (70-71) and currently sits in a tie for first place at the Eighth Annual Palmetto Intercollegiate, while Adam Howell is five strokes behind (146) tied for 14th.

The 54-hole event is being contested at the 6,380 yard, par 71 Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, S.C. Founded in 1892, Palmetto is recognized as the fourth oldest golf course in the United States and holds the oldest membership certificate to the USGA still in existence. Tuesday's final round will begin with fixed tee times starting at 8:00 AM.

South Florida (579) leads the field of 12 after 36 holes, with host school USC Aiken (580) in second. Charleston Southern (581) is two strokes back in third place and East Carolin (37-51-2) and Conference USA foe Houston are tied for fourth at 585.

East Carolina's Brandon Pace, William Thompson of Virginia Commonwealth, and Charleston Southern's Stuart Carrihill are in a three-way tie atop the individual leaderboard at one-under-par, all with rounds of 70 and 71. Federico Mautone of South Florida and Jordan Irwin of the University of Houston notched the low round of the day at two-under-par 69.

"We played really well Monday," said Head Coach Kevin Williams. "If we can come out and play a solid round on Tuesday, I think we can take home the championship. Brandon has been playing real consistent golf over the last two events and I think he can only help us as the season goes on."

The final round action will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the Pirates scheduled to tee-off at 9:38 a.m.

Top Pirate Finishes
T1. Brandon Pace 70-71=141
T14. Adam Howell 70-76=146
T26. Robin Smith 77-72=149
T31. Chris Ault 77-73=150
T54. Philip Reale, II 76-79=155

Top Individual Finishes
T1. Brandon Pace (ECU) 70-71=141
T1. William Thompson (VCU) 70-71=141
T1. Stuart Carrhill (Char. Southern) 71-70=141
T4. Jordan Irwin (Houston) 73-69=142
T4. Federico Mautone (USF) 69-73=142

Top Team Finishes
1. USF 287-292=579
2. USC Aiken 292-288=580
3. Charleston Southern 293-288=581
T4. East Carolina 293-292=585
T4. Houston 294-291=585