Nunn concludes Razorback career

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TEMPE, Ariz. – University of Arkansas senior Lucy Nunn’s career came to an end Saturday when the 16th-ranked Razorback women’s golf team failed to advance out of the 2009 NCAA West Regional Championship. The Razorbacks doubled six holes and found water on the back nine finishing tied for ninth overall with an 882. Arkansas opened play with a 289, followed by a 296 and 297 in the final rounds. “Obviously we’re disappointed,” said Arkansas head coach Shauna Estes-Taylor. “We didn’t finish well and we let a lot of shots get away from us. I’m sad that Lucy ended her career today. She’s been a tremendous representative for the Razorbacks and a great leader for a young team. She’ll be missed.” One of the bright spots on the day for Arkansas was the play of junior Alex Schulte. The Broken Arrow, Okla., native carded a final round one-under 71. Schulte was even through the first nine and knocked in birdies on 15 and 16 en route to her best score of the weekend. “Alex has been on the verge of a low score for some time now,” said Estes-Taylor. “That was a great highlight for her and something for her to build on for next year.” Nunn would finish the day with a 75 for a 219 (72-72-75) for the weekend. Sophomore Kelli Shean counted a 221 (73-74-74) and was steady throughout the event. Schulte moved up several spots with her final round 71 and scored 223 (75-77-71) for the tournament while junior Kristin Ingram was in with a 224 (72-75-77). Freshman Katy Nugent rounded out Arkansas’ scores with a 229 (72-75-82). “It stings a little now,” said Estes-Taylor, “but this is a lesson. We have to learn to finish things. We return four of these five athletes for next year and I think they’ll all go home and think about this. It will make them hungry for next year and we’ll be looking forward to getting started next fall.” As with any good event, Arkansas’ position came down to the last wire as they battled with Texas A&M, California and Pepperdine down the stretch. But the Razorbacks took themselves out of contention with four doubles and two bogies in the last four holes of play watching their hold on the eighth-place spot slip away. Despite the benefit of the morning tee times, temperatures were recorded at 103 as the teams came in for the final nine holes as the brutal heat continued to change the conditions of the course. Top-ranked host Arizona State won the event running away from the field. The Sun Devils finished 22-under on their home course with an 842 leading the group of eight advancing teams. Fourth-ranked Southern California was second with 861, followed by No. 8 LSU with 868. There was a three-way tie between No. 36 TCU, No. 25 UC-Irvine and No. 45 Texas for fourth place with 873, with No. 22 Arizona counting an 876 and No. 13 Pepperdine an 879 to advance. The Razorbacks tied No. 21 California for ninth with 882, ahead of No. 39 Texas A&M’s 885 and No. 41 Oregon’s 899 rounding out the morning flight’s scores. For more information about Arkansas women’s golf, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.