DICKSON, Tenn. – The Tennessee State women's golf team opened its spring slate with a second-place finish in the Starks Invitational, hosted by TSU, the Black College Golf Coaches Association and Farmers Insurance at the Greystone Golf Club in Dickson.

The Tigers, led by Erin Marcelino who logged a first-place finish, tallied a 642 throughout two rounds. TSU carded a 326 on Monday afternoon followed by a 316 on Tuesday to claim second place. The Tigers finished seven strokes out of first place as Chicago State logged a 635 to win the event.

Marcelino paced TSU as she finished in first place after scoring a 145. The Sophomore from Florida carded a 73 (+1) on Monday and finished even with a 72 on Tuesday. She logged 27 pars and four birdies over 36 holes.

Lucia Pantigozo had a solid two rounds as she took home second place after carding a 154 for her two-round total. The second-year Tiger cut six strokes off her round one 80 to finish with a 74 on Tuesday. True freshman Trixie Sabulao fired an 83 in her first round on Monday, followed by an 82 in Tuesday's second round to finish with a 165 which landed her in seventh place. 

TaLese Vaughn, also a true freshman, put together rounds of 90 and 88 to finish in ninth place with a 178. Sabria Feagins slid in behind Vaughn in 10^th place with a 195. She fired a 98 on Monday followed by a 97 this afternoon.

The Starks Invitational is named after former TSU head coach Catana Starks. She was the first African American woman to coach a men's team at the collegiate level when she coached the men's golf team at TSU from 1986 to 2005. In 2014, Starks was inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.

This is the second annual event and the second year it was partnered with and sponsored by the Black College Golf Association and Farmers Insurance.

"The Black College Golf Coaches Association (BCGCA) considers it an honor to be a part of TSU's Stark Invitational, named after trailblazer Dr. Catana Starks. The title sponsor, Farmers Insurance has supported this event since its conception, recognizing how it supports and promotes the contributions of women and other underrepresented populations", stated Jamila Johnson, Secretary of the BCGCA."

"Dr. Starks was the first woman to coach a Division I sport. Facts like this inspire succeeding generations to do what some may consider difficult but not impossible. Like her passion, we will continue to grow this event to impact as many lives as possible."

The women's golf team will be back in action this Sunday- Tuesday at the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate.