Women's golf set to compete at Dale McNamara Invitational

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - After placing four Blue Raiders in the top 20 at last week's USF/Waterlefe Invitational, the Middle Tennessee women's golf team will compete against a loaded field at the Dale McNamara Invitational at Patriot Golf Club in Tulsa, Okla.

"This is the first year this tournament's existed, and it's a brand new golf course," head coach Chris Adams said. "I have high expectations for the course, and this will definitely be the best field we'll play this year. I think we're coming off a good tournament, and we have to continue to improve."

The event, hosted by the University of Tulsa, features 16 schools, including 11 of which who are ranked in the Golfstat.com Top 100. Big 12 opponents No. 20 Oklahoma, No. 24 Oklahoma State and No. 33 Texas headline the event. Sun Belt foe and 46th-ranked UALR is also participating.

Ashley Haggard and Karisa Akin, who each shot an 11-over at the USF/Waterlefe Invitational to tie for 16th in the 103-player field, will once again make the trip with the Blue Raiders.

The duo of Stephanie Smith and Olivia Love also notched top 20 finishes last week. Love has put together an impressive start to her sophomore campaign this season, and Smith, also a sophomore, has played a vital role for the Blue Raiders this year as well.

Also making the trip will be 2010 All-Sun Belt selection Morgan Hale. The senior has played in one tournament this season, finishing tied for 34th at the Susie Maxwell Berning Classic.

Middle Tennessee will open up play at the three-round event on Monday. Daily recaps will be available at GoBlueRaiders.com, and www.golfstat.com will provide live scoring.

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