Razorback women's golf moves up leaderboard

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The 24th-ranked University of Arkansas women’s golf team sprang up the leaderboard coming off the golf course in a tie for ninth place after second round action at the Mercedes Benz Intercollegiate Saturday. Arkansas battled in the first round posting a 15-over 303 but rallied Saturday with a plus-three 291 to move into the top 10. The Razorbacks could still slide up the leaderboard as the top teams were not yet finished. “We played much better today,” said Arkansas head coach Shauna Estes-Taylor. “We were more like ourselves and we handled this course better. We made better decisions and that was the key.” Sophomore Kelli Shean led the Arkansas charge in the second round with a one-under 71 on the par 72 Fox Den Country Club course. Shean shaved four strokes off Friday’s numbers and is in the top 20 with a 146 (75-71). Freshman Katy Nugent and junior Alex Schutle were also strong. Nugent counted a 73 with a birdie on eight while Schulte also shot 73 with a birdie on the fifth hole. Nugent was in the clubhouse with a 149 (76-73) and Schutle with a 151 (78-73) Junior Kristin Ingram tallied a 74 for 148 (74-74). “Kelli played awesome,” said Estes-Taylor. “She had 17 pars and one birdie. She was so consistent. Katy got up-and-down well and I thought Kristin played well too, especially after being a little under-the-weather earlier. She actually bogeyed her last two holes so her score could have been even better.” Senior Lucy Nunn knocked three strokes off her first round score for a 77 and is 13-over with a 157 (80-77) and junior Tiffany Phelps, playing as an individual, posted a season-best 74 (80-74) for a 154. “Our goal is to move up the leaderboard in the final round,” said Estes-Taylor. “You have to manage your game well on this golf course. There are a lot of doglegs but if you keep the ball in play off the tee, then you can attack for birdies.” Play concludes with a final round Sunday.