McCurdy fires first round 69

Jump to agate FAYETTEVILLE – Senior Amanda McCurdy fired a first round 69 leading the 10th-ranked University of Arkansas women’s golf team to fifth place Thursday in Auburn, Wash. McCurdy carded a three-under 69 in the opening round with three birdies in the final five holes to lead Arkansas. The El Dorado, Ark., senior is tied for second after first round action. Sophomore Ashley Medders added a four-over 76 and is tied for 38th. Senior Lindsey Hinshaw and sophomore Stacy Lewis finished the day tied for 45th with rounds of 77 and senior Courtney Mahon carded a first-day 81 and is tied for 84th overall. “We didn’t play as well as I would have liked,” said Arkansas head coach Kelley Hester, “but we still in the hunt with two days to go. I know we’re capable of playing much better and I think we’re all anxious about getting back out on the course. Amanda was really solid today and her 69 really helped. Ashley (Medders) also really played well as did Stacy (Lewis) and Lindsey (Hinshaw). Cort (Courtney Mahon) struggled a bit but we didn’t have to count her score and I know she’ll be O.K. for the rest of the week.” Arkansas finished the day with a 299 and stands at 11 over. They trail leaders UCLA and host Washington both of whom turned in an even-par 288. Purdue ended the day in third place with a 289, followed by Southeastern Conference rival Georgia in fourth place with a 296. Arkansas was fifth with the 299, while UC-Irvine carded a 301 for sixth place. Stanford, Arizona and New Mexico State are tied for seventh with a 303 and UNLV rounded out the top 10 with a 304. Play continues through Saturday with the top eight teams advancing to the NCAA Championship at Ohio State. For more information about Arkansas golf, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.