For the first time in five years, the Tennessee Lady Vols did not qualify for the NCAA golf championships.

The Lady Vols shot a final-round 19-over-par 307 Saturday and finished 16th at 65-over 929 in the East Regional in Athens, Ga. The top eight teams advance with Furman the final team at 900.

Senior Marci Turner concluded her career by shooting a 2-over 74 and finished tied for 15th at 6-over 222.

"Unfortunately our season ended here and no one wanted it to,'' said Turner, a three-time All-SEC honoree. "I especially didn't want it to. I want to play as long as I can for this team. ... I really wish everything could have come together for us."

The Lady Vols couldn't overcome the loss of senior Angela Oh, who opted for a pro career after the conclusion of the SEC tournament.

“Marci had a great finish today and I was really proud of her,” UT coach Judi Pavon said. “Marci has been such a solid player for four years. She’s really impossible to replace. She has been someone you could count on day in and day out. I’m going to miss her as a friend and a player.”

Nicole Smith had the best round for UT despite bogies on the last two holes that pushed the junior to 71 and a tie for 55th at 231.

Diana Cantú's 79 tied her for 61st at 233. Ginny Brown and Rebecca Watson made their first NCAA postseason appearance this weekend. Watson's 83 tied her for 98th at 246. Brown shot 87 to finish tied for 102nd at 250.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.