Lady'Backs finish sixth at Mercedes-Benz

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas rebounded from a tough second round finishing sixth overall at the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship in Knoxville, Tenn., Sunday. Arkansas improved on a second-round 310 with a 300 Sunday finishing sixth with an 899 (289-310-300). Leading the 17-team field after the first day, the Lady’Backs’ scores ballooned in all five spots as eighth-ranked Ohio State jumped ahead to win the event with an 821. Number 15 Tulane and No. 21 Tennessee tied for second an 881, followed by No. 35 Kent State in fourth with an 887. Southeastern Conference rival No. 20 Louisiana State jumped passed Arkansas with an 898 with the No. 24 Lady’Backs checking in with an 889 (289-310-300) for sixth place. “We might have struggled a bit with nerves,” said Arkansas head coach Kelley Hester. “We really struggled coming in today.” Hot Springs, Ark., native Gena Johnson paced Arkansas tying for 16th overall with a 223 (70-80-73). El Dorado, Ark., junior Amanda McCurdy also turned in a 223 (71-79-79) but was disappointed in her play Sunday. “Amanda had a difficult day,” said Hester. “She dropped seven strokes on the last six holes and was very disappointed.” Redshirt freshman Stacy Lewis finished tied for 28th overall at 226 (75-78-75), followed by junior Courtney Mahon who tied for 35th with a 228 (73-79-76). Junior Sarah Trew finished the day 80th with a 241 (82-79-80) while freshman Ashley Medders, competing as an individual, tied for 73rd with a 240 (82-79-79). “Despite the higher scores we did have some positives this weekend,” said Hester. “There are some things we need to work on but we are coming back home ready to defend our home course and we’re hungry to play again.” The Lady Razorbacks host the Lady Razorback Invitational at Pinnacle Country Club Sunday-Tuesday, Oct. 17-19. For more information about the Lady Razorback Invitational or about Arkansas golf log on to www.ladybacks.com.