May 5, 2003

FORT WORTH, Texas - For the second straight month, TCU sophomore D'Rae Ward has been named Conference USA's Golfer of the Month, the league office announced today. Ward earned the April honor after her individual victory at the Conference USA Championships in Dade City, Fla. on April 21-23.

At the C-USA tournament, the Weatherford, Texas-native fired a three-round score of 224 (+8). She saved her best effort for the final round, shooting a two-over 74 on the last day. Her 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole of the tournament gave her a one-stroke victory. The win was her third individual crown in TCU's last four events. With three championships to her credit, she now ranks second in TCU history in career victories.

Earlier this season, the second-team all-conference selection won back-to-back titles at the Waterlefe/USF Invitational (March 17-18), helping TCU to the team victory, and at the Baylor-Tapatio Springs Shootout (March 23-25).

For the month, Ward registered a 75.67 per round stroke average in two events. She is currently rated 141st in the nation according to the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings. Ward and TCU are next in action at the NCAA Central Regionals in Lincoln, Neb. from May 8-10.