JONESBORO, Ark. (10/18/11) – The Arkansas State women’s golf team picked up its first tournament championship of the season on Tuesday, winning the Lady Red Wolf Classic for the third consecutive year with a combined total of 594 to edge out Murray State by three strokes for the title. A-State junior Jennifer Loiacano captured the first individual title of her career after shooting 1-over-par for the tournament to defeat Murray State’s Alex Lennartsson by two strokes.

The tournament came to an early conclusion after Tuesday’s final round was cancelled due to rain and unplayable conditions on the golf course. Initially players were sent out to begin the round, but were called off the course hours later and the decision was made to cancel the final round.

“It is also a good feeling to have a win,” ASU women’s golf coach M.J. Desbiens said. “Hard work always pays and I truly believe in that and I think it shows a true test of character when you go out and compete for every shot. This certainly wasn’t the best weather but I was happy the girls went and competed.”

The Lady Red Wolves trailed Murray State by four strokes after the first round, but turned in a season-low 295 in the second round to take a three-shot lead over the Racers. Loiacano led the charge for A-State with rounds of 72 and 71, while senior Jennifer Welch shot 73-74 to finish in a tie for third-place with a total of 147. Anna Carling provided the biggest turnaround of any Red Wolf, by shooting even-par 71 in the second year to recover from a 7-over-par 78 in round one.

Courtney Manning rounded out the scoring for ASU with rounds of 76 and 79 for a total of 155 and finished in 14thplace. Sarah Landry, who competed as an individual, finished in a tie for ninth-place after a two-round total of 155, while Clara Tefteller tied for 29th after a two-round total of 166.

The A-State women’s golf team will next compete at the Middle Tennessee State University Invitational Oct. 24-25.  

ARKANSAS STATE RESULTS

Place, Name (RD 1-RD 2--TOTAL)

Team

1, Arkansas State (299-295--594)

Individual

  1, Jennifer Loiacano (72-71-143)

T3, Jennifer Welch (73-74-147)

T5, Anna Carling (78-71-149)

T9, Sarah Landry (78-74-152)

14, Courtney Manning (76-79-155)

T29, Clara Tefteller (91-75-166)

T35, Jelena Latinovic (88-84-172)

T35, Anna Flanrey (88-84-172)

38, Alyssa Goodin (87-93-180)