WAYNESVILLE, N.C. ? The University of South Alabama women’s golf team shot 299 in the final round of the Wachovia Great Smokies Intercollegiate, giving it a two round total of 588 for a fifth place finish.

The Jaguars were led on Sunday by freshman Darah Newell who fired a team-best 73 in the final round. Sophomore Sara Marti, posted a two over-par 74 in her second round. Junior, Elin Andersson backed up her first round 68 with a four over-par 76 along with senior Susanne Jepson also carded a 76. Junior, Michelle Toth rounded out the scoring for the Jags, with a 78, in her final round. For the second consecutive day, the Jags had all five players shoot in the 70’s.

“We just weren’t as sharp today,” said Jaguar coach T.J. Jackson. “We are now looking forward to carrying this performance over to next week’s tournament in Jacksonville State.”

The Jaguars finished fifth overall in the 24 team field. The two round total of 588 left the Jags 12 shots back of Western Carolina, the host and winners of the tournament. Western Carolina posted scores of 286 and 290 for a total of 576.

Newell finished with a two round total of 143. In her first collegiate tournament, Newell, a native of Helena, Mont., was named to the All-Tournament Team, an honor that did not escape coach Jackson. “Darah played very steady for us this weekend. Hopefully we can count on her a lot this year.”

Next, the Jags travel to Gadsden, Ala. for Jacksonville State University Lady Gamecock Invitational, held at Silver Lakes Country Club Monday and Tuesday Oct. 10-11.

Darah Newell 70, 73 - 143
Elin Andersson 68, 76 - 144
Michelle Toth 74, 78 - 152
Susanne Jepson 77, 76 - 153
Sara Marti 77, 74 - 151

1 Western Carolina 286, 290 ? 576
T-2 East Tennessee State 294, 287 ? 581
T-2 Ohio University 286, 295 - 581
4 Xavier 292, 292 ? 584
5 South Alabama 289, 299 ? 588