ASU roster dips to 2 with Sweeney departure

The incredible shrinking Arizona State women's golf squad just got even smaller as the school announced Aug. 2 that Jaclyn Sweeney has decided to forgo her senior season in Tempe and will instead turn professional after competing in this month's U.S. Women's Amateur Championship.

"I have spoken with my teammates and coaches and it has been an honor and privilege to represent ASU from January 2009 up until this past semester," said Sweeney, a 21-year-old from Andover, Mass.

Sweeney's departure comes less than a month after Jennifer Johnson also decided to leave school to try pro golf and leaves the Sun Devils with just two players on the roster as the 2010-11 season draws near—juniors Carlota Ciganda and Giulia Molinaro.

ASU coach Melissa Luellen anticipates being able to fill out the roster in January with the addition of new recruits and will be spending more time this month recruiting internationally. With that in mind, expect the Sun Devils to play a heavy spring schedule, particularly too when considering that Ciganda and Molinaro will likely be away from school competing for their respective countries (Spain and Italy) during the World Amateur Team Championship this October in Argentina.

"We have been fortunate to attract very talented young ladies whom have brought much success to our program," said Luellen in a statement release by the school. "ASU has a rich history and tradition of great golf teams. It is my passion to continue that great Sun Devil tradition."