HORSESHOE BAY, Texas (July 29, 2010) - Jessa LaBarbera of Allen played consistent golf over three days to win the Texas Girls State Junior Championship by two shots over Christina Stringham of Pasadena. LaBarbera's rounds of 77-76-78 left her at 15-over par.

Courtney Dow of Frisco bested a field of 18 players in the Girls 14 & Under division of the Texas Girls State Junior Championship. Dow shot rounds of 80-76 to finish seven shots ahead of McKinney's Taylor Chaffin and Allen's Jordan LaBarbera.

Conducted by the Legends Junior Tour, the Texas Girls State Junior Championship was held at Horseshoe Bay's Apple Rock course. This year's Championship featured a field of 84 (18 Girls 14 & Under; 66 Boys 15-18) of the best players from Texas.

This was LaBarbera's second big win of the summer. She also won the Girls Championship flight at the Starburst Junior Classic in June. The senior-to-be at Allen High School is talking to several schools about continuing her golf career.

For Stringham, it was the third straight year she came up just short of a state title. After finishing runner-up to Sandra Lee in 2008, she finished in a three-way tie for second last year behind Elena Warren. Stringham, a 2011 grad, has committed to Stephen F. Austin University.

This was the first year the State Junior Championship was held at Horseshoe Bay Resort. The tournament got off to a great start on Monday evening as almost 275 players and guests attended the banquet. After dinner, almost 150 players went over to Horseshoe Bay Resort's Whitewater Putting Course to compete for top honors in their respective divisions. J.J. Lindsay, Eric Valenzuela, Callie Scheffler and Marissa Marquez each took home a Nike Method putter for their low rounds. While the putting contest was going on, parents were invited to attend the College Coach Q&A, which featured Jim Anderson, Assistant Men's Coach at Texas A&M, Todd Ohlmeyer, Head Men's Coach at St. Edwards University and Eddie Bull, Head Men's & Women's Coach at UT Dallas. They provided some great insight into what it takes to play college golf as well as what they look for in a recruit.

The quote of the night went to Jim Anderson, who said, "You should want to play in this tournament. This is the State Junior Championship; it's a big deal."

The Legends Junior Tour would like to thank the membership and staff for their tremendous support. Also, thank you to the numerous college coaches who were in attendance as well as the volunteers who gave their time to make this a successful event.