Lewis helps U.S.A. to win over Japan

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas golfer Stacy Lewis carded a 72-75-72 helping the United States edge Japan at the Fuji Xerox USA vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Championship at the Stanford Golf Course recently. Lewis’ appearance on the U.S. team was the first by a Lady Razorback in the 10-year history of the program. The U.S. captured a 31-29 victory behind the play of the eight-man, four-woman team. It was the 10th consecutive win for the Americans and the U.S. leads the all-time series 22-8. "This was a big honor for Stacy and for our program," said Arkansas head coach Kelley Hester. "She was selected by a committee of Division I coaches and to be chosen as a freshman is a big accomplishment." Teams were selected by a panel of coaches with one athlete taken from each of the three regions. Lewis represented the "wildcard" selection. Play was even after the first round, tied a 6-all, and the United States eked out a 19-17 second-round lead on day two. Japan made a run on the final day by winning the first two men’s matches. A back-and-forth battle ensued as the teams struggled for the upper hand. The Japanese won the final two men’s matches but the U.S. women rallied with Lewis and co-MVP Ashley Hoagland posting victories. The wins gave the Americans a 29-27 lead, but Japan was able to even the score with one match remaining. The U.S. prevailed, however, with a win from Annie Young for the 31-29 victory. "I spoke with Therese (Hession, the U.S. team coach) and she said that Stacy’s match was a difference maker. It’s great for Stacy to have a positive experience on the course. She hasn’t really played all that much this summer. She just missed the cut for the U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur and to go out in this event and compete and play well is really good."