Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Former Hog Plasencia qualifies for tourney
ROGERS — Regina Plasencia accomplished a first to earn a spot in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship for the second straight year.
The former University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, golfer shot the first bogey-free round of her life, firing a 5-under 66 to win the Monday qualifying round, besting 18 others to earn one of the two available spots into the LPGA Tour tournament field at Pinnacle Country Club.
“I just realized that on the [scorer’s] table when I was adding that up,” Plasencia said. “I’ve had a lot of rounds with just one bogey, but this one was a good feeling.”
Julieta Granada shot a 4-under 67 to claim the second spot. Tournament play begins Friday.
Plasencia joins four current or former Razorbacks
who were already in the tournament field. Senior Alana Uriell was bestowed with a sponsor’s exemption this year after earning a spot in the Monday qualifier a year ago. Former Razorbacks Stacy Lewis, Gaby Lopez and Emily Tubert will also compete this week.
Plasencia played a solid round, positioning herself for makeable birdie putts and converting. She made an uphill 15-foot putt for birdie on No. 1, sank an 18-footer on the par-3 sixth hole, knocked in a downhill 9-footer on the par-4 eighth and made a 5-footer on the par-3 11th.
She capped off the round by getting up and down for a birdie on the par-5 18th to earn a spot in the field via the Monday qualifier for the second straight year.
“I like it,” Plasencia said. “It’s like one round where you can commit to all your shots. You just have 18 holes so you want to make them count.”
Four other current or former Razorbacks competed Monday, but failed to qualify.
Junior Maria Fassi, who earned a sponsor’s exemption into last year’s tournament field and missed the cut by three shots, hit 17 greens in regulation en route to carding a 3-under 68, but fell
one stroke short of tying for second and forcing a playoff for the final spot. She birdied Nos. 3, 7, 12 and 18 and bogeyed No. 9.
“I don’t do that very often,” Fassi said of hitting 17 greens. “That’s really impressive. I’m feeling really good with the way I’m hitting the ball.”
Junior Kaylee Benton shot a 1-over 72, while former Razorbacks Victoria Vela and Summar Roachell carded a 71 and 73, respectively. It was a busy day for the Razorback coaching staff.
“I tried to pick strategic spots so I could see everybody run through and then run ahead and try to catch everybody else,” coach Shauna Estes-Taylor said. “It’s just a fun day. I just let them know (to) go out and have fun and I’ll be as many places as I can.”
Last year, Plasencia shot a 69 in the qualifying round to earn her spot in the tournament, but missed the cut by four strokes after shooting 72 and 71 to finish 1-over. She will enter this year’s tournament playing good golf as she tries to make her second LPGA Tour cut since turning pro last year.
“This place brings really good memories back and I can’t wait,” Plasencia said. “I had a really awesome time last year. That capped off my four years at the university, so being able to come back, I think it’s even more special.”