No. 17 Arkansas travels to the Liz Murphey this weekend

FAYETTEVILLE — The 17th-ranked University of Arkansas women’s golf team faces another tough test this weekend traveling to the Liz Murphey Collegiate Golf Classic in Athens, Ga., Friday-Sunday. Arkansas is coming off a big weekend at the Betsy Rawls Invitational in which redshirt freshman Stacy Lewis notched her second career win while the Lady’Backs finished fifth. This weekend, Arkansas faces a more regional field geographically including nine Southeastern Conference teams in what could be considered a bit of a league championship warm-up. Lewis again makes the trip along with Arkansas natives Gena Johnson and Amanda McCurdy. Also competing for Arkansas is Courtney Mahon and Lindsey Hinshaw. "I don’t think our team really notices much about SEC teams in the field," said Arkansas head coach Kelley Hester. "There are quite a few top teams, that is more important to us. We do need to take advantage of a field with lots of SEC schools, however, because we don’t have many opportunities to see them. It should be fun to see how we stack up heading into SECs." This week’s field includes No. 83 Alabama, No. 2 Auburn, No. 47 East Carolina, No. 71 Florida State, No. 20 Furman, No. 7 Georgia, No. 32 Kent State, No. 81 Kentucky, No. 16 LSU, No. 49 Michigan State, No. 65 Mississippi, No. 31 Mississippi State, No. 10 Ohio State, No. 39 South Carolina, No. 9 Tennessee, No 13 Tulane and No 11 Wake Forest. Hester and the Lady’Backs have some experience with the course as well with the skipper and her assistant coach Shauna Estes both UGA grads. In addition, the Liz Murphey is one tournament that has been on Arkansas’ schedule since the first season. "I think that UGA course is straight forward tee to green," said Hester. "The greens are definitely the most challenging aspect. It will be important to feel comfortable on the greens and in your putting." Arkansas travels to the BYU Dixie Classic April 4-5, in St. George, Utah, prior to the SEC Championship in Tunica, Miss., April 15-17. For more information about Arkansas golf log on to LADYBACKS.COM.