by Frank Aceto

Associate Sports Editor

Hudson -- Trying to hold onto a slim lead in the most important tournament of his life, Eli Juren may have been humming "Light My Fire" to himself.

"I kept thinking about music in-between shots," he said. "I wanted to get my mind off golf. I like listening to the Doors and Jimi Hendrix."

Maybe those close to him can call the 14-year-old Austin, Texas resident the "Voodoo Child" after securing the 2008 Hudson Junior Invitational, which concluded June 20 at The Country Club of Hudson.

Juren, who shot a 54-hole total of 216 strokes (72-68-76) held off Cody Martin of Union, Ky., by three strokes in the 93-person field. Juren is the youngest player ever to win the Hudson tournament.

On the girls' side, Lancaster resident Samantha Swinehart edged out her high school teammate Allie White with a birdie on the 18th hole.

Swinehart, 16, shot a final-round 71 to score a 222 in the 27-girl field. She posted scores of 76 and 75, respectively, in her previous two rounds.

White, the two-time defending champion, scored a par on the final hole on her way to a 73. She shot a 223 for the tournament, including scores of 76 and 74, respectively, in her previous two rounds.

"I was thinking birdie because I thought Allie would probably birdie 18," Swinehart said. "We're good friends. She's very encouraging and always willing to help you."

Juren was tied with Martin heading to No. 12, but Juren pulled away after that. Swinehart had three birdies on the back nine.

Northfield native Kelly Krusoe finished the tournament in 19th place with a score of 250.

E-mail: faceto@recordpub.com

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