Blue Raiders enjoy record-setting championship win

Junior golfer Taryn Durham, left, and Head Coach Rachael Short had plenty to talk about in a record-setting performance at the 2007 Lady Jaguar Invitational. (Bradley Lambert)

MOBILE, Ala. - Junior linkster Taryn Durham and the Middle Tennessee women's golf program have enjoyed scores of superb showings under sixth-year head coach Rachael Short but never has there been a greater day for either of them than Tuesday.

Middle Tennessee captured its fourth tournament championship under Short by successfully defending its title at the 2007 USA Lady Jaguar Invitational at the Azalea City Golf Course in Mobile, Ala., and Durham was the low medalist as she walked away with a tournament title for the fourth time in her stellar career.

The Blue Raiders shot 15-over 591 to win the tournament by a whopping 14 shots over second-place Jacksonville State, and Durham fired a 2-under 142 to capture the individual title and the 18th top 10 finish of her career.

Not only did Middle Tennessee's team and Durham secure titles, but they also shattered numerous school records in the process, including two team marks and two individual standards.

"I'm proud of all the girls. They all played two solid rounds in this tournament," Short said. "You don't win a tournament by 14 shots without getting contributions from all of the players in the lineup and we really were able to do that. The girls played steady and consistent throughout and showed what they are capable of doing."

The Blue Raiders set the school record for best two-round tournament with the 591, besting the 592 they shot in winning the same event in 2006. The impressive second-round 4-over 292 was the second-best round in school history, four shots back of the 288 the team shot at the 2006 Unlimited Potential. It was also the best second-round total in program history.

Durham opened the tournament with a 74 but stormed back with a 4-under 68 in Tuesday's second round and won the event by two shots with a 2-over 142. The 142 is the best two-round tournament total in program history and the second-round 68 proved to be the best round in school history. Coincidentally, the previous records were held by Durham.

"I had a good round Tuesday and it felt good to come back and play that well and feel like I had everything working," Durham said. "I am most pleased, though, that our team won the tournament. We all played well and was able to win the team championship."

Sophomore Mallory Bishop was also playing at a record pace. She tied for third overall with a 145, which ties for the second-best two-round tournament total in school history, and her first-round 71 tied for fifth-best round in program history. Newcomer Clara Leathers tied for 27th overall with a 9-over 153, followed by Maggie McGill in 34th with a 154. Another newcomer, Tasha Gough, totaled a 156.

Middle Tennessee will open play in the Belmont Invitational at the Old Hickory Country Club Thursday.

2007 USA Lady Jaguar Invitational
Final Team Scores
1 Middle Tennessee 299-292 = 591
2 Jacksonville State 301-304 = 605
3 Lamar 303-303 = 606
Winthrop 303-303 = 606
5 Belmont 304-305 = 609
6 Florida Atlantic 310-300 = 610
7 Arkansas State 307-307 = 614
McNeese State 312-302 = 614
9 South Alabama 308-307 = 615
10 Louisiana-Monroe 310-308 = 618
11 UAB 305-314 619
12 Southern Mississippi 314-309 623
Samford 306-317 = 623
Western Carolina 308-315 = 623
15 Troy 314-310 624
16 Mercer 314-311 = 625
17 Nicholls State 318-319 = 637
18 Austin Peay 321-318 = 639
19 Centenary 316-325 = 641
Jackson State 324-317 = 641

MT Team Scores
1 Middle Tennessee 299-292 = 591
1 Taryn Durham 74-69 = 142
T3 Mallory Bishop 71-74 = 145
T27 Clara Leathers 80-73 = 153
T34 Maggie McGill 75-79 = 154
T44 Tasha Gough 79-77 = 156