Women's golf remains in second after two rounds of play

MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. - The Middle Tennessee women's golf team improved upon their first round performance, shooting a 10-over 298 in the second on Tuesday at The Shoals Golf Club's Schoolmaster Course (6,123 yards). The Blue Raiders are in second place in the conference tournament.

Photos: Second Round Gallery

"We shot a better front nine today," said coach Chris Adams. "We were only two-over on the front compared to 12-over yesterday. Karisa was excellent, and I'm proud of the girls today. The conditions were a bit tougher, but we're hanging tough. We have one more day to go."

Karisa Akin carded the best round of her career with a two-under 70, which brought her into a tie for first place at an even par 144. The score was the best in the field for the second round. The native of Elizabethtown, Ky., also provided the highlight of the day with an eagle on the 15th hole and a birdie on the 16th.

"I played pretty steady today," said Akin. "I made par on most of the holes, I was just hitting greens. I finally made some putts on 15 and 16."

Olivia Love is tied for seventh in the field after shooting a two-over 74, and Clara Leathers rebounded from round one with a three-over 75 to sit tied for 26th.

Morgan Hale started play off with a birdie on the first hole, but finished the day with a seven-over 79. The junior is currently tied for 22nd. Ashley Haggard is tied for 39th after carding a nine-over 81.

The Blue Raiders will finish the Sun Belt Championships tomorrow at The Shoals Golf Club's Schoolmaster Course. Tee times for Middle Tennessee begin at 8:15. Live coverage and scoring will be provided at www.golfstat.com and www.twitter.com/MTWomensGolf.

TEAM SCORES
1. Denver, 281-298=579 (+3)
2. Middle Tennessee, 300-298=598 (+22)
T3. Arkansas-Little Rock, 305-295=600 (+24)
T3. Florida International, 300-300=600 (+24)
5. South Alabama, 303-304=607 (+16)
6. Arkansas State, 309-306=615 (+18)
7. North Texas, 313-304=617 (+16)
8. Troy, 308-316=624 (+28)
9. Florida Atlantic, 307-318=625 (+30)
10. Louisiana-Monroe, 306-324=630 (+54)
11. Western Kentucky, 314-322=636 (+60)
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P> MT SCORES
T1. Karisa Akin, 74-70=144 (E)
T7. Olivia Love, 73-74=147 (+3)
T22. Morgan Hale, 75-79=154 (+10)
T26. Clara Leathers, 80-75=155 (+11)
T39. Ashley Haggard, 78-81=159 (+15)

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