Vela, Roberts represent the Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE – Sophomores-to-be Meagan Roberts and Victoria Vela take part in the National Golf Coaches Association Hooters Women’s Collegiate Team Championshipin Dahlonega, Ga., Aug. 3.

The inaugural event takes place at Achasta, By Reynolds and features 55 two-person teams from the top women’s college programs for a 54-hole stroke play format.

Players will test their skills in an alternate shot format on the first day, followed by best ball and aggregate score in the following rounds. There are 42 Division I, four Division II and six Division III teams along with a team from an NAIA program competing.

Vela is a Mansfield, Texas, native who has had a busy year. She has played in several summer events including finishing as the top amateur at the Texas Women’s Open in Garland, Texas. She was also one of the Razorbacks’ low finishers as a true freshman finishing the year with a 76.17 stroke average.

Roberts competed in one collegiate event as a freshman last season. She took part in the Kinderlou Forest Challenge and finished in a tie for 64th overall.

"I’m excited that Victoria and Meagan will be playing in this event," Razorback head coach Shauna Estes-Taylor said. "My philosophy as a coach is to have my players compete as much as possible. Competition is a valuable learning tool and with Meagan and Victoria paired together makes it even better. They will get to team up and play against the very best in collegiate golf. If they ham and egg it well, then we could see a special week out of these two."

The event is scheduled for Achasta, By Reynolds located an hour north of Atlanta, Ga. It is a par-72, Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course is designed as a walking course and plays 6,995-yards.