Wednesday, March 03, 2010

BUIES CREEK, N.C. - Mary Mattson fired a tournament low two-under par 70 during the final round to win the individual title and Campbell claimed the team title Tuesday at the Fighting Camel Classic.
Mattson finished with a two round total of 143 (73-70) at the cold and breezy 6,012 yard, par-72 Keith Hills Country Club layout to win the individual title by four shots. 

The final round 70 and the 143 total were tournament records in the event's 16 year history.  The previous low round in the tournament's history was 71, shot by Maria Combes (Campbell) in 1995 and Mara Larrauri (Campbell) in 1998. 

The 36-hole total of 143 broke the previous tournament record of 144 held by Chelsea Curtis of Georgetown in 2006.

The win by Mattson marks the third individual title of her career and second victory already this season.  She claimed individual honors at this year's UNCG Starmount Fall Classic and Campbell also earned team honors at that event.

Campbell finished with the top four individual totals for the event.  Belen Diaz Cisneros (73-74-147) finished second, Sarah Bejgrowicz (73-75-148) was third, and Sandra Angulo (73-77-150) followed in fourth.  Yu Xu (79-72-151) of Appalachian State finished in fifth after a final round, even-par 72.

Sophomore Michelle Koh (76-80-156) rounded out the Campbell as she finished tied for eighth.

Campbell had a 19 shot lead after a first round tournament record total of 292.  The Camels (292-296-588) fired a final round 296 to win the tournament by 27 shots.  Appalachian State (311-304-615) finished second and Presbyterian (326-324-650) followed in third.

The two day total of 588 set a new tournament 36-hole team total record.  The previous mark of 605 (300-305) was set by Campbell on February 26-77, 2007.  Campbell has now won the Fighting Camel Classic 12 times in the event's 16 year history, including three in a row.