Lewis competes at the NCAA Championship this week

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas junior Stacy Lewis represents the 26th-ranked Lady Razorback golf team at the 2007 NCAA Championship in Daytona Beach, Fla., Tuesday, May 22-Friday, May 25. Lewis qualified as an individual for the national championship while the Lady Razorbacks just missed their third consecutive team appearance after a ninth-place finish at the NCAA Central Regional Championship last week. Lewis has been the Lady Razorbacks’ leader for much of her career and has elevated her game as the season winds down in 2007. "I think she’s ready," said Arkansas head coach Kelley Hester. "She’s focused and prepared. She’s worked really hard this week and is ready for the championship." The Woodlands, Texas, native’s collegiate season is following on the heels of a stellar amateur summer. She finished the year as Golfweek’s top-ranked amateur and parleyed that success into a pair of wins for the Lady’Backs. Lewis captured medalist honors at the Peg Barnard Invitational in the fall and the Susie Maxwell Berning Classic early this spring. Lewis’ victory at the Peg was record setting as she fired a 71-67-69 for a 207 – the best round in school history. Her performance was equally impressive although just shy of the record at the Susie with rounds of 67-67-74 for a 208. Twice named Southeastern Conference Golfer of the Week, Lewis picked up her third consecutive SEC first-team honor despite not being able to play at the league championship. Lewis started the Mississippi State-hosted tournament carding an opening round 73 at Old Waverly Golf Course but a recurring back injury sidelined her for the remainder of the event. Listed as day-to-day prior to the NCAA Regional Championship, Lewis spent as much time rehabbing her injury as she did on the practice tee. But Lewis was more than able to compete leading the Arkansas charge at the regional. She opened with a one-under 70 followed by a one-over 72 in the second round. Lewis evened her scorecard with a 71 in the final round to tie for third place overall and advance to the NCAA Championship. Lewis’ history at the NCAA Championship is good. She tied for ninth place last year after a record-setting final round 66 with five consecutive birdies in the rain-soaked event. The NCAA Championship has a history of individuals playing well in the final event of the year. In fact, Arkansas assistant coach Shauna Estes finished in the top five as an individual earning one of her four all-America honors while playing for Georgia. "Winning is out of your control," said Hester, "but you can control your preparation and mindset and Stacy is very much in control right now."