Lewis Lady'Backs third after one round

Jump to agate TUNICA, Miss. – The 21st-ranked University of Arkansas women’s golf team finds itself tied for third place after first round action at the 2005 Southeastern Conference Golf Championship in Tunica, Miss., Friday. Arkansas posted a plus 13 301 in first round play at Tunica National behind an even par 72 from redshirt freshman Stacy Lewis. The Woodlands, Texas, native was even through her first eight holes picking up a stroke on 18. She got the stroke back on the first hole after the turn and hung on to finish even. Junior El Dorado, Ark., native Amanda McCurdy also played well and is tied for ninth overall with a first-day 74. McCurdy was disappointed with her final however, after finishing the first nine at two-under and in a tie for the lead. She picked up four strokes, three of which came on par fours. Junior Courtney Mahon stands tied for 19th overall with a plus-four 76 while senior Gena Johnson is tied for 35th overall with a 79. Junior Lindsey Hinshaw rounded out Arkansas’ scores with an 80 to stand tied for 42nd. “I didn’t see us play many bad shots today,” said Arkansas head coach Kelley Hester. “We jumped out of the blocks really well and I think we were even at the turn. We struggled a bit coming in. The conditions were so good today and it was a shame not to take better advantage of it.” “Stacy and Amanda both started the day very well but leaked a little oil coming in. I think both have better rounds in them. Court looked good all day and was in a good position but doubled her final hole. Gena had to blow the dust off a bit after about two weeks off with a strained back and Lindsey is getting some great experience. Overall I’m pleased with the day.” Arkansas trails No. 3 Auburn who turned in a 291 in the first round. Eighth-ranked Tennessee is second with a 299 followed by No. 4 Georgia and Arkansas tied for third with 301. Eighty-second-ranked Alabama is tied for fifth overall with No. 12 LSU with rounds of 303, followed by No. 11 Florida at 304, No. 54 Vanderbilt at 308, No. 77 Kentucky with a 310, No. 46 South Carolina with 313, No. 64 Mississippi at 321 and No. 31 Mississippi State with a 330. Auburn’s Nicole Hage leads the field after first round action. Hage counted a 69 for the day. Tennessee’s Jessica Shepley is second with a 71 followed by Lewis and three others with rounds of 72. The Lady’Backs will tee off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday as second round play continues. For more information log on to LADYBACKS.COM.