Razorbacks open postseason

BLYTHEVILLE, S.C. – The postseason begins Friday for the 18th-ranked University of Arkansas women’s golf team as they travel to Blytheville, S.C., for the 2009 Southeastern Conference Championships this weekend. The Razorbacks are coming off a fast-paced, action-packed month with four events in a row as the team sprinted through the spring regular season. With a week off from competition prior to the SEC Championships, head coach Shauna Estes-Taylor sees her team ready to go for the push to the end. “It’s been a whirlwind four weeks,” said Estes-Taylor. “It’s been non-stop but I think we’re fundamentally really sound. The team is fired up and excited to head into the postseason.” Arkansas has had a balanced effort from the traveling five. Paced by lone senior Lucy Nunn who captured her first career win earlier this spring, Arkansas will again look to her for leadership. “Lucy has grown and matured over the last four years,” said Estes-Taylor. “She’s our leader and we’ll expect her to lead us again at SECs. “Lucy has worked so hard for this moment,” Estes-Taylor continued. “She’s done a great job on and off the course and I’m excited to see her compete again this weekend.” Nunn is joined by juniors Kristin Ingram and Alex Schulte, sophomore Kelli Shean and freshman Katy Nugent. The Razorbacks take on a tough field again this week as well. The SEC has again elevated its level of play and there are no easy opponents in the field. As the Razorbacks head into the championship, Auburn leads the field ranked sixth in the latest Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index. They are joined by No. 8 Alabama, No. 10 LSU, No. 15 Georgia, No. 17 Vanderbilt, No. 30 Florida, No. 31 Tennessee, No. 39 Ole Miss, No. 41 Kentucky, No. 45 South Carolina and No. 82 Mississippi State. As for the golf course, the Razorbacks have never played Cobblestone Park but they still have reason for some confidence. Estes-Taylor, then just Estes, won her first SEC individual title pacing her alma mater Georgia to the team title in 1997. “One of our team goals is to win the team SEC title,” Estes-Taylor said. “It’s my job as a coach to prepare them to reach that goal. They have asked me about my experience here and I think that only makes them more hungry to go out and play well. I feel confident with where we are as a team. Everyone has stepped up at different times this spring and I think we’re ready to go.” For more information about Arkansas women’s golf, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.