Feb. 13, 2017
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Auburn sophomore Melanie Talbott earned her first collegiate victory Monday, winning the one-day Samford Spring Shootout at Greystone Golf & Country Club.
Talbott shot a 36-hole total of 74-71=145 (+1) to win by two strokes over Jacksonville State's Valentina Giraldo and Alabama's Nicole Morales. Her final-round 71 was her low collegiate round, propelling her to the victory after trailing by a shot through the first 18 holes.
"It was a great feeling to get my first collegiate win today," Talbott said, "especially at Greystone. After not being able to play during the fall season, I really wanted to get off to a strong start in the spring. This win means a lot to me, and I can't wait to go back to work so that I can have more experiences like this."
Talbott, a sophomore from Woodstock, Ga., missed the fall season while recovering from injury and was competing for just the second time this year.
"What a solid performance from Melanie Talbott," Auburn head coach Melissa Luellen said. "Last summer's knee surgery kept her out of playing and practicing all fall. She came back in January medically cleared and ready to compete. Her mindset is of complete and total appreciation for the opportunities she has as an Auburn athlete and getting to play a sport she loves.
"Injuries have a way of providing a healthy perspective. It is really enjoyable for coach (Andrew) Pratt and I to watch Melanie and her teammates get better every day."
Talbott is Auburn's second individual medalist of the season. Freshman Elena Hualde won the season-opening Fall Kickoff in September.
Freshman Kayley Marschke tied for sixth place with rounds of 73-76=149 (+5); she was tied for the lead after the first 18 holes. Senior Clara Baena earned her best finish of the season, tying for 11th place with two rounds of 76, and Mai Dechathipat tied for 32nd.
Auburn's players all competed as individuals; the Tigers did not record a team score.
The Tigers are back in action Sunday, Feb. 26, as they host Tennessee in a one-day dual match at the Auburn University Club. Tee times begin at 8 a.m., and the event is open to the public.
Samford Spring Shootout
Auburn Individual Results
1. Melanie Talbott ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" 74-71=145 (+1)
T6. Kayley Marschke ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" 73-76=149 (+5)
T11. Clara Baena ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" 76-76=152 (+8)
T32. Mai Dechathipat ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" 78-80=158 (+14)