Sept. 6, 2011

Final Results

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.- The University of Memphis women's golf team battled heavy rains stemming from Tropical Storm Lee to finish fifth at the 16th annual Chris Banister Golf Classic.

Led by tournament medalist, senior Marissa Steen (34-36--70), the Lady Tigers posted a one-round total of 310 to finish fifth in the rain-shortened event. Both the second and third rounds were cancelled due to unfavorable conditions on Tuesday morning.

"We really faced some nasty conditions in Huntsville," said head coach Beth Harrelson. "The weather made it very tough to compete, but that's where mental toughness plays into the game."

"Marissa played hard and she took advantage of the opportunity," said Harrelson. "She putted well, despite the conditions, and she sunk some birdies. I really think that her mental toughness was what allowed her to pick up the victory. I am very proud of the way she competed."

Senior Kathleen Glavin completed the shortened tournament by tying for 12th place with a (36-40--76) performance, while juniors Sarah Mathews (39-42--81) and Julia Hodgson (39-44--83) finished tied for 28th and 34th places, respectively.

Competing as individuals, sophomore Ashley Kees and freshman Natalie Turk tied for 17th place by carding identical scores (39-40--79) in the first and only round of play.

Samford won the 16th annual tournament with a score of 294, while Jacksonville State (302) finished second and Lamar (303) placed third.

Steen's victory marks the fifth of her career, having recorded three first-place finishes last season as a junior (Lady Eagle Invitational, Cincinnati Bobcat Invitational and UAB Fall Beach Blast) and one title as a sophomore (USA Lady Jaguar Invitational).

The Lady Tigers now have a week and a half to prepare for their next tournament, the 2011 Wild Eggs Cardinal Cup hosted by Louisville. That event is slated to take place Sept. 19-20 in Lousiville, Ky.