March 27, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - With arguably one of the program's most successful years already in hand, No. 46 Texas Tech women's golf looks to continue its hot play of late as it heads west for the Mountainview Collegiate March 29-30 at the Mountainview Golf Course in Tucson, Ariz. From there, the Lady Raiders will head to Southern Utah for the BYU Dixie Classic in St. George, Utah April 1-2.

Tech has turned in five top-five finishes this year, tying the 2003-04 season for the most in eighth-year coach Stacey Totman's tenure. The Lady Raiders have finished third in each of their last two outings, the Rio Verde Invitational and the UNLV Spring Invitational. They have one tournament title on the season, capturing the Tech-hosted McHaney/Morehead Invitational back in October.

Mountainview's field looks to be a tough challenge for the Lady Raiders this weekend as eight top 50-ranked squads dot the 18-team field. Included on that list are No. 9 Arizona and No. 21 East Carolina. Other top 50 teams include No. 27 Louisville, No. 38 San Jose State, No. 40 Oklahoma, Tech, No. 49 Indiana and No. 50 Iowa State.

The Red Raiders had a tournament to remember its last time out at the UNLV Spring Invitational. Tech recorded three of the best rounds in school history, including a record-shattering second round of 286 en route to program-best 869 over 54 holes. Junior Ulrika Van Niekerk has torn up the links of late with a second-place showing at UNLV after carding a personal-best 210 for the event. The Capetown, South Africa, product is averaging 72.3 strokes per round over the last two tournaments, including two rounds in the 60s.

Also playing well of late for Tech has been freshman Stephanie Smith and sophomore Rosalyn Kim. Smith turned in a pair of top 20 finishes in the Lady Raiders' last two events and carries a 74.5 stroke average this spring. Kim carded a personal-low 218 last time out.

After wrapping up play in Tuscon, Tech will head straight for Southern Utah. Fans can get results at www.golfstat.com, while wrap ups will be available at www.texastech.com.