Lady Razorbacks struggle at Kinderlou Challenge

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The University of Arkansas women’s golf team struggled on the first day of play at the Kinderlou Challenge in Valdosta, Ga., Monday.    The opening round was delayed due to frost and the slow, cold start was felt by the team.  Arkansas shot 308 in the first round but the late start forced teams off the course before the second round was complete.  The Razorbacks have about five holes to play but were in 13th place when they came off the course. 

  Senior Kelli Shean opened with a first-round 74 and was 3-over in the second round when play was halted.  She is tied for 24th overall.    Freshman Victoria Vela is tied for 35th after opening with a 77.  Senior Corinna Rees carded an opening round 80 and was four-over in the second round to tie for 61st while freshman Meagan Roberts, playing in her first collegiate event, is tied for 70th with a first round 77. 

Senior Kristin Ingram rounds out the Razorback scores.  Ingram opened with an 83 and was seven-over in the second round with five holes to play. 

“We struggled today,” acknowledged Arkansas head coach Shauna Estes-Taylor.  “It’s just the little things and we have to get better at those.  We gotta hold our heads up high and go out and fight like champs tomorrow.  We have to do a better job on the small things.  Inches make a champion.      

Thirty-fifth-ranked Tulane emerged as the early leader opening with a 293.  The top five include No. 14 Tennessee (299; +3), No. 27 Ohio State (302; +4), No. 20 LSU (299; +5) and No. 16 Florida (295; +10) leading the field. 

The rest of the field in order of Monday’s amended finish is No. 19 Vanderbilt (300; +7), No. 12 Georgia (302; +5), No. 15 Virginia (302; +9), Ole Miss (307; +6), No. 26 South Carolina (304; +9), No. 30 Florida State (307; +9), No. 32 Kent State (307; +9), No. 41 Arkansas (308; +16), Kentucky (313; +19), No. 31 North Carolina (318; +15), Kennesaw State (315; +25), No. 29 Chattanooga (322; +19) and Mississippi State (232; +19). 

Play concludes with a shotgun start Tuesday.