Akin tied for second after two rounds at UALR Women's Golf Classic

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Karisa Akin led the way for the Blue Raiders on the first day of play at the UALR Women's Golf Classic at Diamante Country Club, carding rounds of a one-over 73 and a two-over 74 to sit in a tie for second in the 99-player field. Middle Tennessee as a whole is just eight strokes off the lead, but in seventh (of 19) at 38-over.

"I'm disappointed with some of the play today, but Karisa Akin really hung tough and played hard," head coach Chris Adams said. "She didn't hit the ball extremely well, but made some big putts. She was very steady. I think that the girls know we're still in good shape tomorrow. We just have to go out there and put up a good number. We're still within striking distance."

Akin wasn't the only standout Blue Raider performer. Olivia Love opened up with a five-over 77 before shooting a two-over 74 in the second round to move into a tie for 12th at seven-over.

"I think Olivia is hitting the ball pretty well right now," Adams said. "She had a triple bogey pretty early in the second round, and still managed to end just two-over. She really stuck to her game plan today, and it showed."

Stephanie Smith and Steph Gough are tied for 50th and 55th at 14-over and 15-over, respectively. Morgan Hale ended Monday tied for 76th at 19-over.

Natalie Chrisopulos, competing in the event as an individual, is tied for 55th at 15-over.

The third and final round of play of the UALR Women's Golf Classic will begin Tuesday morning. Live scoring will not be available through Golfstat.com.

TEAM SCORES (of 19)
1. Arkansas State - 301-305=606 (+30)
T2. Missouri State - 308-300=608 (+32)
T2. Eastern Michigan - 306-302=608 (+32)
4. Oral Roberts - 305-304=609 (+33)
5. FIU - 310-300=610 (+34)
6. Troy - 311-302=613 (+37)
7. Middle Tennessee - 308-306=614 (+38)
8. UTEP - 304-312=616 (+40)
T9. ULM - 309-310=619 (+43)
T9. Wichita State - 301-318= 619 (+43)

MT SCORES
T2. Karisa Akin - 73-74=147 (+3)
T12. Olivia Love - 77-74=151 (+7)
T50. Stephanie Smith - 80-78=158 (+14)
T55. Steph Gough - 79-80=159 (+15)
T76. Morgan Hale - 79-84=163 (+19)

T55. Natalie Chrisopulos - 79-80=159 (+15)

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