Plasencia, Uriell Tee It Up With The Pros
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas senior Regina Plasencia and sophomore Alana Uriell will tee it up with LPGA professionals in the Monday qualifier of the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship presented by P&G at Pinnacle Country Club.
Plasencia tees off in the second group at 1:12 p.m. with Hannah Arnold of Lufkin, Texas and Hanule Seo of Las Vegas, Nevada. Uriell follows in group three at 1:24 p.m. playing with Shang-Fan Huang of Sugar Land, Texas and Jenna Pearson of Wheaton, Illinois.
For the second consecutive season, the Razorbacks took part in The Road to the #NWA Championship, a season-long test of stroke average, academics and professional demeanor. Razorback freshman Maria Fassi earned the sponsor’s exemption and will play in the event on Friday. Plasencia and Uriell earned the qualifying spots with the top players advancing to play Friday and Saturday.
Uriell was Arkansas’ best finisher at the Stanford NCAA Regional Championship with a third-place showing and finished tied for 20th at the 2016 NCAA Championship. Plasencia was Arkansas’ low scorer in several fall events last season.
“I couldn’t be more proud of each of these ladies for their hard work and performance on-and-off the course this spring,” Razorback women’s golf coach Shauna Estes said. “This is especially exciting for Maria with this being her freshman year and first semester of college golf. She has proven herself these past few months and I look forward to seeing her represent the University of Arkansas at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.”
Uriell closed out the season with a 73.31 scoring average and Plasencia finished with an average of 74.06. Plasencia competed in the 2014 and 2015 tournament qualifier, while this is Uriell’s first year to compete.
The partnership, which began in 2015, includes specific criteria set for players to qualify. The criteria for selection include team rankings and academic standing for the golfers. The top-ranked University of Arkansas player based on the player rankings as of May 10 will be eligible for the sponsor’s exemption. The qualified player must write an official letter requesting invitation and be in good academic standing with the University. The second and third best stroke averages from the team’s competitive season will have an opportunity on Monday to qualify for the official LPGA event. Past exemptions have included Stacy Lewis, Emily Tubert and Gabriela Lopez.
To find out more information about the Road to #NWAChampionship or the LPGA tournament, please visit www.nwachampionship.com.
Tickets can be purchased as you enter the Tournament:
$10 – Daily Championship Tickets valid for any one day Friday – Sunday
$25 – Weekly Grounds Tickets valid for Tuesday-Sunday
*Gates open to the public on Tuesday, June 23*
*Kids 17 and under admitted free all week with a ticketed adult*
*Military personnel and veterans admitted free all week with valid military ID*
