Lewis leads Lady'Backs in second round

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas freshman Stacy Lewis carded a three-under 70 vaulting into a tie for eighth-place overall and helping the Lady Razorbacks move up two spots at the 26th Annual Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational in Albuquerque, N.M., Tuesday. Lewis, a Woodlands, Texas, native, opened even on the first-hole par-five but immediately dropped a stroke on the second hole. Lewis was three under on the first nine, moved to four under on 10 and finished with a 70 for the day. "It’s great to see Stacy play well," said Arkansas head coach Kelley Hester. "Stacy is somewhat of a surprise to our fans but we’ve been watching her in practice and we know what’s she’s capable of." Lewis’ good second day moved her from a tie for 45th after the first round into a tie for eighth place with a 164 (76-70). "We got out to a pretty good start," said Hester, "but struggled in the middle of the round. They all came in strong and finished well and I’m pleased with that. To play four-over-par is usually great golf but even with that performance we’re not anywhere as good as we still can be. Every one of the players came in saying they could have played even better. Lindsey (Hinshaw) hit 17 greens today and finished two-over on the day." Hot on Lewis’ heels is El Dorado, Ark., junior Amanda McCurdy. McCurdy was tied for 19th after her first round 74 and equaled that number again today finishing the round tied for 12th overall at 148 (74-74). Lady’Back senior Sarah Trew is tied for 26th overall with a 151 (75-76), followed by junior Courtney Mahon who is tied for 38th at 153 (75-78). Lindsey Hinshaw rounds out the Arkansas scores with a 155 (80-75) and is tied for 53rd overall. Second-ranked Georgia leads the field with a two-over 589. The Bulldogs blistered the field yesterday with a 287 followed by a 299 Tuesday to lead the pack. Tenth-ranked New Mexico is second with a 588 (292-296), followed by Brigham Young with a 591 (296-295), No. 18 Pepperdine at 592 (293-299) and No. 5 Oklahoma State at 594 (299-295). Arkansas, ranked 31st in the first Golfweek poll of the season, is sixth overall with a 595 (299-296), followed by No. 33 Baylor at 603 (299-304), No. 12 Texas A&M at 604 (298-306) and No. 16 UNLV at 606 (297-309). "We made a significant move on the field today," said Hester, "but we could have made an even bigger one. I’m pleased with the progress but I know we’re an even better golf team." Play concludes Wednesday at the UNM Championship Course Wednesday. For more information about Arkansas golf, log on to www.ladybacks.com.
26th Annual Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire InvitationalUNM Championship CoursePar 73, 6,069 yards

Place Team Score
1 No. 2 Georgia 287-299=586
2 No. 10 New Mexico 292-296=588
3 Brigham Young 296-295=591
4 No. 18 Pepperdine 293-299=592
5 No. 5 Oklahoma State 299-296=594
6 No. 31 ARKANSAS 299-296=595
7 No. 33 Baylor 299-304=603
8 No. 12 Texas A&M 209-306=604
9 No. 16 UNLV 297-309=606
10 No. 36 TCU 300-308=608
11 No. 49 New Mexico State 310-309=610
12 Hawai’i 305-313=318
13 Kansas 308-312=620
14 Texas Tech 309-312=621
T15 Texas El Paso 307-328=635
T15 Northern Arizona 315-320=635
17 San Diego State 322-316=638

Arkansas Individuals

T8 Stacy Lewis 76-70=146
T12 Amanda McCurdy 74-74=148
T26 Sarah Trew 74-77=151
T38 Courtney Mahon 75-78=153
T53 Lindsey Hinshaw 80-75=155