Lewis Ends Career Arkansas Eighth At NCAA Championship

Jump to results ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A teary-eyed Stacy Lewis concluded her career at the University of Arkansas leading the eighth-ranked Lady Razorbacks to a program-best finish at the 2008 NCAA Women’s Golf Championship in Albuquerque, N.M. Lewis finished even on the day and was tied for eighth overall finishing with a four-day 292 (73-72-75-72) leading Arkansas to an eighth-place finish with a four-round 1194. Arkansas tied its best round of the championship Friday with a 297 (298-297-302-297) for the best finish in program history. Second-ranked Southern California won the team title with an 1168 in a closely fought battle with third-ranked UCLA who carded 1174. Top-ranked Duke rallied from 18th place after the first round finishing third with an 1180, followed by No. 6 Purdue in fourth with 1188, No. 4 Arizona State in fifth with 1189, and a tie between No. 9 Denver and No. 23 Texas A&M in sixth with 1191. Arkansas’ eighth-place 1194 edged No. 5 Florida who was ninth with an 1196. Seventh-ranked Georgia was 11th overall with 1198 with No. 16 Virginia, No. 12 Alabama and No. 10 Auburn tying for 12th overall with 1215. Arkansas battled weather all four days of play enduring numerous stoppages throughout the week. The final morning began with the completion of the third round with Arkansas finishing a couple of holes at 7:00 a.m. The Lady’Backs returned to the hotel relaxing before the team began the fourth round at 12:30 p.m. Shortly after the start, teams were pulled from the course with an hour lightning delay only to restart under a moderate rain when play resumed. “I couldn’t hit any putts today,” said Lewis after her round. “I had a birdie on 17 to finish strong. Playing 54 holes in two days is tough and it was a long week but it’s been great. This team works so hard and I’m happy with my team as a Razorback.” “I feel beat up,” said Arkansas head coach Shauna Estes-Taylor. “We hit a few rough patches out there today but I couldn’t be more proud of the heart and soul of this team.” Although it is Lewis whose career ends, junior Lucy Nunn might be the story of the week. Nunn went 71-73 in the final two rounds to tie for 23rd overall with a 297 (76-77-71-73). “Our futures’ bright,” said Estes-Taylor. “We’re going to miss Stacy. She put us on the map. But we have some great young players. I’m so proud of the way Lucy played. She has the potential to be a really good leader. Kelli (Shean) stepped up and played well all year. We have a bright future for years to come.” “I put myself in some tough positions out there today,” said Nunn of her round, “but I was able to pull it out. We overcame a lot of weather and tough conditions and I’m really proud to be a part of this team.” Nunn, a Lawton, Okla., native, eagled the ninth hole dropping two strokes to help Arkansas. Nunn hit her second shot well just to the right side of the green and drained her putt for eagle. Sophomore Kristin Ingram landed a birdie on the sixth hole after hitting her tee shot within four feet of the pin. She lipped out on her final shot of the season after her third shot on 18 hit the pin. The two-foot putt just missed. Ingram finished tied for 68th overall with a 307 (73-79-78-77). Freshman Kelli Shean tied for 48th overall in her first NCAA appearance finishing with a 303 (76-74-78-75) and sophomore Alex Schulte, celebrating her birthday Friday, was tied for 96th with 315 (80-74-79-82). The NCAA Championship concludes the season for the Lady Razorbacks. Lewis’ collegiate career closes but she travels to Scotland Sunday for the Curtis Cup after which she is likely to turn professional. For more information regarding Razorback women’s golf or University of Arkansas athletics please visit www.LADYBACKS.com.