Course conditions a challenge

FAYETTEVILLE — The No. 10 Arkansas Razorbacks started hot in the third round of the NCAA championships on Monday, but windy conditions on the back nine kept them from moving up the leaderboard at Blessings Golf Club even while senior leader Maria Fassi was claiming the individual title.

The Razorbacks finished with a 10-over 302, matching their first-round score. Their team total of 24 over is currently in fourth place and very likely to set up a match play meeting with Wake Forest today.

University of Arkansas Coach Shauna Taylor said the wind and the course setup on the Razorbacks’ home course Monday were as difficult as she can recall.

“This golf course played as tough as I’ve seen it in a very long time, maybe ever with 30 mph winds,” she said.

Fassi fired a 5-under 68 for the day’s best round, one shot ahead of Texas’ Hailee Cooper.

“I’m not so worried about Maria. It’s the other four that I was trying to get in the house moreso,” Taylor said when asked about her feelings late in the round. “She thrives when the spotlight is on, and that’s what she did today.”

The Razorbacks also got a 1 under from senior Dylan Kim, her best round of the tournament. Kim is currently tied for 66th place.

Senior Kaylee Benton carded a 7-over 80, her worst score of stroke play, and fell into a tie for 27th at 8 over after starting the day tied for sixth at 1 over.

Sophomore Brooke Matthews had a 9-over 82 and finished at 15 over, tied with Kim.

Freshman Ximena Gonzalez had a 12-over round and completed stroke play at 30 over, currently tied for 125th.