Back Nine Rally Moves Arkansas Up The Leaderboard

Round One Results
RIO DEL MAR, Puerto Rico – The ninth-ranked University of Arkansas women’s golf team used a back nine rally to move up the leader board into a tie for eighth place after round one action at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic in Rio Del Mar, Puerto Rico on Sunday.

The Razorback five played the front nine 16-over but was just 1-over on the second nine to move up seven spots after the turn. Arkansas, the defending champion at the event, carded a 299 and is just nine strokes back of the lead with two rounds remaining in the opening tournament of the spring.

Arkansas led the field with 16 birdies in the first round at the Rio Mar Country Club River course.

“We got off to a slow start today and had to rally hard at the end of our round,” Arkansas head coach Shauna Estes-Taylor said. “I was a little surprised to see us make some of the early round mistakes but they were all things that we can easily fix. We have to take better advantage of the par-5s and eliminate some of our big numbers.”

Sophomore transfer Kaylee Benton was low for Arkansas signing for a 1-over 39–34—73 on her scorecard. Benton is tied for 17th overall with a round that opened with three bogeys on the front side. Benton rallied with birdies on the 11th, 15th and 18th holes to lead the team.

Junior Alana Uriell was also under par on the back nine and finished with a 39–35—74. She is tied for 25th. Uriell was 5-over through 11 holes but finished strong with birdies on the 13th, 15th and 16th holes.

Junior Jordy LaBarbera counted a 38–37—75 and is tied for 29th followed by sophomore Maria Fassi who is tied for 46th shooting 39–38—77. Sophomore Cara Gorlei rounds out the scorecard. Gorlei posted 41–37—78 and is tied for 56th.

Senior Summar Roachell is competing at the event as an individual. Roachell saw her best golf on the front nine and was just 2-over. She finished round one tied for 67th shooting 38–42—80.

“We have two more great days and we want to go out and achieve our goals on this course,” Estes-Taylor said. “A slow start won’t hold us back. We are ready for the challenge in the next two rounds.”

The Razorbacks return to the links for second round action playing with Southeastern Conference colleague LSU and Baylor.

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Individual Results

Team Results