Roachell Takes Command At AWGA Event

BELLA VISTA -- The Arkansas Women's Golf Association Stroke Championships has become the Summar Roachell show.

Roachell opened the backside of Tuesday's second round with three straight birdies and the University of Arkansas women's golfer fired a 3-under 68 to take a commanding lead heading into today's final round at the Bella Vista Country Club. Roachell of Conway is at 1-under 141 and she will take a 12-stroke lead to the final 18 holes.

Arkansas Women’s Golf Association Stroke Championships

at Bella Vista Country Club

Par 71-71-142

Championship Flight

Summar Roachell^73-68-141

Heidi Rice^79-74-153

Grier Bennett^76-78-154

Brenda Carr^76-78-154

Tanna Richard^75-79-155

Micah Radler^77-83-160

Katie Speir^82-79-161

Rosetta Parks^79-82-161

Heidi Rice carded a 3-over 74 Tuesday and stands alone in second place at 11-over 153. Brenda Carr and Grier Bennett are tied for third at 12-over 154.

Roachell, who will be a sophomore this fall for the Lady Razorbacks, had 30 putts during her round Tuesday that included five birdies and two bogeys.

"I have been hitting some really good shots, but I just hadn't had any putts drop," Roachell said. "I got some good looks the first three holes on the backside and I dropped them for birdies. I got some momentum and I tried to carry that through the rest of the round."

After moving to 3-under, Roachell carded a bogey on the par 4 No. 13 hole but rebounded with a birdie on No. 16, a par 4 that is rated the No. 1 handicapped hole f0r women on the course. Roachell then missed a chance to go even lower on the par 5 No. 17 hole.

Roachell hit a 7-wood 40 feet from eagle on No. 17 but she three-putted the hole for par. She also just missed a birdie putt on the final hole.

"It was pretty clean, and not a whole lot of mistakes," Roachell said. "I gave myself some opportunities, and when you do that you can shoot a good number."

Roachell won the AWGA Match Play Championship earlier this summer and said if she could sweep the two biggest tournaments it would be a boost heading into her college season at Arkansas.

"I feel real comfortable on this course," Roachell said. "I think the speed of my putts is getting better, and I am giving myself some opportunities. This would be a great way to end the summer, and these ladies have been so supportive of me. To get a win here in Northwest Arkansas would be pretty cool."

Sports on 08/06/2014

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