March 2, 2010

Preston McClellan, Undergraduate Assistant 

Final Results

MOBILE, Ala.—The University of Memphis women’s golf team posted a final round 304 to capture the team title at the USA Lady Jaguar Invitational. Marissa Steen claimed medalist honors by defeating Lauren Cate of Stetson on the first playoff hole.

Steen recorded a par on the 18^th hole to claim her first medalist honors at Memphis and the first for the program since Stacey Tate won the individual title at the Lady Eagle Invitational in 2006.

“I’m so proud of Marissa,” said Lady Tiger head coach Beth Harrelson. “She has worked so hard, and she’s just playing with no fear right now.”

Three other Lady Tigers also posted top-10 finishes. Kathleen Glavin carded rounds of 77-75-77 to earn a career-low finish of tied for fifth. Alex Aläng (80-75-76) and Sarah Mathews (77-77-77) finished in a tie for eighth position.

Julia Hodgson finished in a tie for 41^st with scores of 80-79-84.This is the first time Memphis has had three or more golfers finish in the top-10 individually under Harrelson.

Memphis trailed Florida International by four strokes going into the final round, but the Lady Tigers fired a final round 304 to pass FIU and claim victory by six strokes. Stetson finished eight shots back in third.

This is the second victory for Memphis in 2009-10. The Lady Tigers claimed victory at their final event of the fall, the UAB Fall Beach Bash, where they were led by Sarah Mathew’s runner-up individual finish.

It is the first time the women’s golf program has won two or more tournaments in the same season since 1996-97,when they won the Memphis Women’s Invitational, the Lady Panther Invitational, and the Conference USA Championship.

“This was an incredible performance by our team,” said Harrelson. “The conditions were tough, but they just kept battling, and it really showed. I can’t say enough how proud I am of everyone.”