July 15, 2008

AUBURN - Freshman Cydney Clanton is set to begin play at the 33rd annual Fuji Xerox USA vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Championship Wednesday at the par 74, 6,410-yard Tokyo Golf Club.

Team USA leads the all-time series 24-8, and has won the last eight competitions in Japan. Clanton will be the fourth Tiger to represent the United States at this tournament. Missy Tuck (1990), Robin Cook (1998) and Danielle Downey (2000, 2002) were prior players. Cook won the individual title in 1998.

The team - which consists of eight men and four women players - will be coached by Mike Morrow of Kent State and Barry's Jimmy Stobs.

Sydnee Michaels and Lizette Salas will face Nane Shinsato and Kaori Azuma and Clanton and Jessica Yadloczky tee off against Yumi Takabayashi and Hiroko Ayada in the women's matches.

Clanton finished the season ranked No. 13 in the country, while averaging a team best 73.54 for the year. Clanton was Auburn's top finisher at the NCAA Championship three weeks ago as she finished tied for 23rd (74-75-77-71--297). For her efforts, Clanton was named First-Team All-American and NGCA Freshman Golfer of the Year, to go along with SEC Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-SEC honors.

For results from the three-day competition please visit www.gcaa.collegiategolf.com.

Below is a list of the 12-member United States team:
Nick Bova, Methodist
Cydney Clanton, Auburn
Sam Cyr, Point Loma Nazarene
Sydnee Michaels, UCLA
Kevin O'Connell, North Carolina
Andrew Putnam, Pepperdine
Lizette Salas, Southern Cal
Ryan Spears, Wichita State
Zach Sucher, UAB
Brent Witcher, Valdosta State
Chris Wolfe, Armstrong Atlantic State
Jessica Yadloczky, Florida