Women's golf in fifth at Susie Maxwell Berning Classic

NORMAN, Okla. - After one day of play, the Middle Tennessee women's golf team shot a 21-over 309 to sit fifth in the eight-team Susie Maxwell Berning Classic at Jimmie Austin Golf Club.

"We had almost perfect conditions today, but we didn't finish as well as we could have," said head coach Chris Adams. "We can play with these teams, but we have to develop more consistency."

This is the first year the Blue Raiders have competed in the event, which features six teams ranked among the top 100 in 2009, NAIA National Runner-Up Oklahoma City and Redlands College, who finished third at the NJCAA National Championship.

Olivia Love, one of the standout performers in last week's Great Smokies Women's Intercollegiate, carded an opening round one-over 71, tying for tenth in the 48-player field.

Both Stephanie Smith and Karisa Akin shot a six-over 78 to sit tied for 23rd.

Ashley Haggard is tied at 37th after an eight-over 80, and Morgan Hale, competing in her first event since earning All-Sun Belt honors last season, is tied for 41st following a ten-over 82.

The Blue Raiders will continue play in the Susie Maxwell Berning Classic tomorrow before playing the final round on Sunday. Daily recaps will be available at GoBlueRaiders.com, and live scoring will be provided at www.golfstat.com.

TEAM STANDINGS
1. Oklahoma - 287 (-1)
T2. Tulsa - 290 (+2)
T2. Arkansas - 290 (+2)
4. Mississippi - 297 (+9)
5. Middle Tennessee - 309 (+21)
T6. Texas State - 312 (+24)
T6. Redlands Community College - 312 (+24)
8. Oklahoma City University - 318 (+30)

MT SCORES
T10. Olivia Love - 73 (+1)
T23. Stephanie Smith - 78 (+6)
T23. Karisa Akin - 78 (+6)
T37. Ashley Haggard - 80 (+8)
T41. Morgan Hale - 82 (+82)

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.