Fassi, Benton, Razorbacks In Monday Qualifier

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas sophomores Maria Fassi and Kaylee Benton will tee it up with LPGA professionals in the Monday qualifier of the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship presented by P&G at Pinnacle Country Club. The current Razorbacks will join former players Summar Roachell, Regina Plasencia, Victoria Vela and Emily Tubert, all of whom hope to move on.

Official tee times have not been announced but the first group is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.

For the third consecutive season, the Razorbacks took part in The Road to the #NWAChampionship, a season-long test of stroke average, academics and professional demeanor. Razorback junior Alana Uriell earned the sponsor’s exemption and will play in the #NWAChampionship on Friday. Fassi and Benton earned the qualifying spots with the top players from Monday’s single round advancing to play Friday and Saturday.

Uriell secured the exemption spot by holding the team’s top scoring average at 72.04 as of May 11. The Carlsbad, California, native posted four top 10s throughout her junior season and won her first collegiate title at the 2016 Alamo Invitational. She also appeared in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G in 2016 by earning a spot through the Monday qualifier and the Road to #NWAChampionship.

Benton and Fassi ranked second and third, respectively on the Razorback golf team with scoring averages of 73.32 and 73.60. Both players will have the opportunity to secure spots in the official tournament field through the qualifier.

In 2016, then-freshman Fassi secured the sponsor’s exemption with a 72.56 scoring average. Teammates Uriell and Regina Plasencia earned the opportunity to play in the Monday qualifier event and each secured official spots into the field.

Stacy Lewis and Gabriela Lopez will take part in the weekend event as members of the LPGA Tour as well.