DALTON, Ga. — #2 Dalton State women's golf claimed the Lady Roadrunner Spring Invite title in dramatic fashion, defeating #4 SCAD-Savannah (Ga.) on the second playoff hole when the Roadrunners carded a birdie on No. 8. #7 William Carey was eliminated after the first playoff hole, leaving Dalton State and SCAD-Savannah to decide the championship. The Roadrunners finished regulation tied atop the leaderboard at 901 (+37) after rounds of 303 (+15), 288 (E), and 310 (+22) before sealing the win in extra holes.
 
TEAM TOP 5:
T-1. #2 Dalton State (Ga.) (+37, 901)(Won On Second Playoff Hole)
T-1. #4 SCAD-Savannah (Ga.) (+37, 901)
T-1. #7 William Carey (Miss.) (+37, 901)
4. #6 SCAD-Atlanta (Ga.) (+42, 906)
5. #14 Pikeville (Ky.) (+69, 933)

ROUND 1 RECAP (303, +15)
Dalton State opened the tournament with a 303 (+15), led by a strong start from Jia Kataria, who fired a 68 (-4) to set the pace early. Reese Day followed with a 75 (+3), while Sara Burger posted a 78 (+6). Tylah James added an 82 (+10) and Ella Ahlqvist rounded out the lineup with an 88 (+16) as the Roadrunners positioned themselves near the top heading into round two.
 
Dalton State (Round 1):

• Jia Kataria — 68
• Reese Day — 75
• Sara Burger — 78
• Tylah James — 82
• Ella Ahlqvist — 88
  Team Total (counting 4): 303 (+15)

Individuals (Round 1):

• Susana Calvar (IND) — 76
• Tara Phipps (IND) — 78
• Elin Gullbrandsson (IND) — 88

ROUND 2 RECAP (288, E)
The Roadrunners made their biggest move in Round 2, turning in an even-par 288 to surge into prime contention. Sara Burger delivered the round of the tournament for Dalton State with a brilliant 67 (-5). Jia Kataria and Ella Ahlqvist each added 73 (+1), and both Reese Day and Tylah James posted 75 (+3) to keep Dalton State firmly in the hunt entering the final round.
 
Dalton State (Round 2):

• Sara Burger — 67
• Jia Kataria — 73
• Ella Ahlqvist — 73
• Reese Day — 75
• Tylah James — 75
  Team Total (counting 4): 288 (E)

Individuals (Round 2):

• Tara Phipps (IND) — 75
• Susana Calvar (IND) — 84
• Elin Gullbrandsson (IND) — 85

ROUND 3 RECAP (310, +22)
Dalton State battled through a challenging final round, posting a 310 (+22) to finish regulation tied at the top at 901 (+37). Sara Burger again led the Roadrunners with a 76 (+4), while Tylah James added a 77 (+5). Reese Day carded a 78 (+6) and Jia Kataria contributed a 79 (+7) to supply the four counting scores. Ella Ahlqvist finished with an 81 (+9) as Dalton State forced a playoff.
 
In extra holes, Dalton State, SCAD-Savannah, and William Carey went to sudden death. William Carey was eliminated after the first playoff hole, setting up a head-to-head finish. The Roadrunners then clinched the tournament on the second playoff hole with a birdie on No. 8 to defeat SCAD-Savannah and secure the team championship.
 
Dalton State (Round 3):

• Sara Burger — 76
• Tylah James — 77
• Reese Day — 78
• Jia Kataria — 79
• Ella Ahlqvist — 79
  Team Total (counting 4): 310 (+22)

Individuals (Round 3):

• Elin Gullbrandsson (IND) — 78
• Susana Calvar (IND) — 79
• Tara Phipps (IND) — 80

Dalton State 54-Hole Totals

• Jia Kataria — 220 (+4) (68-73-79)
• Sara Burger — 221 (+5) (78-67-76)
• Reese Day — 228 (+12) (75-75-78)
• Tylah James — 234 (+18) (82-75-77)
• Ella Ahlqvist — 240 (+24) (88-73-79)

Team Total: 901 (+37) (303-288-310)
 
QUOTES FROM COACH
Thoughts From Coach Jim McGrew:
"Really proud of how we fought down the stretch against a great field. We did not play as well as we would've liked on the final day, but we were fortunate to find ourselves in a playoff and came up clutch when we had to secure the win."

"We had a great second round to give ourselves a chance, but we're still looking for consistency heading into the postseason."

"Congratulations to Jia and Sara on another all-tournament team selection."

"It's time to tighten things up as we get ready for postseason."

UP NEXT
No. 2 Dalton State will turn their focus to the SSAC Women's Golf Championship at RTJ Cambrian Ridge in Greenville, Ala. on April 20-22.
 
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