Lewis and the Lady'Backs lead the Longhorn

Jump to agate FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas women’s golf team fired a tournament-best 302 paced by freshman Stacy Lewis’ plus-one 73 to lead the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational after second round action Saturday. Arkansas carded a 302, the best round be any of the 17 teams over the first two days, leading top-ranked Duke by three strokes. The Lady’Backs finished the day at 611 ahead of Duke with 614. Number eight Oklahoma State is third with a 616 (310-306), followed by No. 23 Texas with 621 (313-308) and No. 7 Arizona State at 623 (315-308). “It was really a grind today,” said head coach Kelley Hester. “Stacy continued her solid play as did Gena. I’m proud of them and how well they played today in very tough conditions. It was windy and the hole locations were tough. I feel like playing at Blessings really helps us prepare us for these conditions. I kinda hope to have tough conditions again tomorrow because that suits our play.” Lewis finished the first round tied for fifth overall but vaulted into the lead with a one-over 73 Saturday for a 147 (74-73). Hot Springs, Ark., senior Gena Johnson also improved in the second round moving from a tie for 21st overall to a tie for fifth with a 74 (78-74=152). El Dorado, Ark., junior Amanda McCurdy carded a six-over 78 for a 154 (76-78) and is tied for 13 overall while teammate senior Lina Axelsson is tied for 34th with a 158 (81-77). Junior Courtney Mahon is tied for 69th overall with a 166 (82-84) and Lindsey Hinshaw, playing as an individual, checked in tied for 66th with a 165 (80-85). Lewis was consistent throughout the round playing even until the 17th hole taking a four on the par three. McCurdy, who struggled a bit on the opening nine playing to a plus five, recovered on the back nine with a one-over. Axelsson opened even through the first nine holes going off first for Arkansas Saturday. Alexsson carded a three on the par-four first hole and gave one back on the sixth hole turning in a 36 at the turn. Thirtieth-ranked Texas Christian finished the day in sixth place, followed by No. 21 Tulsa, No. 12 Missouri, No. 61 and first-day leader Nebraska and No. 35 Texas A&M rounding out the top 10 teams. Arkansas and the field continue play with final round action Sunday. 2005 Betsy Rawls Longhorn InvitationalUniversity of Texas Golf CoursePar 72, 6,323 yardsAustin TexasTeam Results

Arkansas Individuals