Bradford earns all-tourney spot, Golden Eagles finish third at Draper

DRAPER VALLEY, Va. -- Junior Megan Bradford roared to a final round 70 to finish tied for second place, one shot behind the leader, and earn all-tournament honors while helping Tennessee Tech open the 2008-09 women's golf season with a third place finish at the Draper Valley Invitational.

Tech's consistent play Monday and Tuesday helped first-year coach Brandy Stout's team finish third among the 14-team field. The Golden Eagles put a 300 on the board in Monday's first round and posted a 301 Tuesday to finish with a 36-hole total 601.

Elon University (290-298) claimed the team title with a 588, three shots ahead of Western Carolina (293-298) at 591. Tech and Gardner-Webb were tied for third at 6-1, while Charleston Southern rounded out the top five with a 609.

Host Appalachian State (613) was next, followed by Radford (615), Evansville (616), High Point (636), Presbyterian (652), Cleveland State (656), UNC Pembroke (660), The Citadel (674) and Mars Hill (702).

Blaire Minter of WCU won medalist honors at 74-70--144, one shot ahead of four players tied for second. After carding a 75 Monday, Bradford managed a 70 Tuesday to join that group on the all-tournament team.

Senior Ashley Spangler, Tech's first round leader with a three-under 69, came back with a 77 Tuesday and missed all-tournament by one shot. She was tied for sixth place at 146.

Sophomore Carley Rhyne, playing for Tech as an individual, also earned a spot in the Top 20, shooting 73-77--150 to tie for 11th place.

Diana Carson was 21st for Tech with 78-75--153, followed by Maegan Sullivan in 36th place (78-79--157) and Madison Denman in 40th place (78-80--158).

Next up for the Golden Eagles is the Great Smokies Invitational, hosted by Western Carolina, Monday and Tuesday.