Mahon second; Arkansas leads field

Jump to scores FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas senior Courtney Mahon fired a one-under par 71 leading the Lady Razorbacks to the top spot with a 291 after first round action at the Tyson/Embassy Suites Invitational at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Ark., Sunday. The Topeka, Kan., native carded four birdies in the round pacing the second-ranked Lady’Backs against the field of 16 in the lone home event of the season. "Courtney was solid all day," said Arkansas head coach Kelley Hester. "She had a couple late bogies but got up and down well." Senior Amanda McCurdy and sophomore Stacy Lewis were on Mahon’s tail both finishing even at 72 to tie for fifth place overall. Seniors Lindsey Hinshaw and Sarah Trew both added 76s and are tied for 23rd overall. Sophomore Ashley Medders led Arkansas’ individuals with a career-best 72 and is tied with Mahon for second place overall. Whitney Sylvan turned in a 77 and freshman Lucy Nunn posted a 78 as individuals on the first day. "Amanda had a little bit of a struggle," said Hester, "but made a pivotal birdie on 15 and that was great to see. Lewy birdied her last for holes and the score from Ashley was really good to see." Arkansas finished the day seven strokes better than Nebraska who carded a 298. Notre Dame is currently in third with a 299, followed by Augusta State and Kansas who are tied for fourth with 303. Iowa is in sixth place overall with a 304, along with Southern Mississippi followed by Kansas State, Wisconsin and Kentucky rounding out the top 10. Kansas’ Amanda Costner leads the individuals with a two-under 70 after the first round. "I think we can shoot par or better on this course," said Hester. "We had a lot of three putts and got out to a slow start. We left a few out there today but I think we can get them back tomorrow." Play continues with second and third round action Monday and Tuesday.