NATCHEZ — After the first day of the 2010 Senior Women’s Tri-State Cup Matches at Beau Pré Country Club, Arkansas was in last place with just one point and seemingly out of contention.

What a difference a day and a statement by one of its players can make. While Day 1 leader, Mississippi, struggled in Sunday morning’s individual matches, Arkansas rallied to win the tournament in its inaugural year by winning nine matches to finish with a total of 10 points.

“We were just determined. We just played well,” Arkansas team captain Pam Spikes said. “Give Marilyn (Langgenhager) the credit. You never know in match play how it’s going to end up. We never gave up. We’re thrilled to win.”

Langgenhager was team motivator.

“When we were meeting earlier in the morning, I said, ‘Just give us at least 10 points, have a good time, and the golf will happen,’” Langgenhager said.

“Mary Edwards and Pam Spikes and Sheila Haynes, our hat’s off to them for putting this together. We made a bunch of new friends. We started with one point and then had nine points today. So that’ll make the ride home a whole lot easier.”

Louisiana, which entered the day trailing Mississippi by just one point, ended up in second place by winning five matches and tying another for 5 1/2 points for the day and 9 points overall.

“They came out of nowhere and took us down,” Smith said. “One of the ladies from Arkansas steamrolled through her match that was in our group. I could tell that some of the matches were ending quickly. There were carts with ladies coming to watch our match and there were smiles on their faces. Kudos to them.

“We had our chances to win. I had my chances to win my match. It was a great event. We appreciate Beau Pré having us. We’ll just have to get back at Arkansas.”

The match between Julie Harrison and Haynes, the Mississippi team captain, ended up all square with both teams picking up one-half of a point. Marge Ritcher defeated Pam Posey of Mississippi, Becky Meaux defeated Teresa Dottley of Mississippi, Edwards defeated Elaine Griffin of Mississippi, Chris Stoute defeated Pat Ray of Mississippi, and Coree Stegall defeated Norma Hartney of Arkansas.

Mississippi finished in a disappointing third place after having just 3 ½ points on Sunday and 8 points total.

“We didn’t play good in the singles matches. Obviously Arkansas did,” Haynes said. “Match play is a funny thing. If you have a bad hole, you lose the hole and go on. I think it went great. We have a few things to work on. Everybody had a good time.”

Sissy Kern defeated Martha McAllister of Arkansas, Carrie Jones defeated Jean Mowry of Arkansas, and Jane Gatlin defeated Mari Pastor of Arkansas.