Blue Raiders in ninth at Dale McNamara Invitational

TULSA, Okla. - Stephanie Smith rebounded from an opening round nine-over on Monday with a two-over 74 on Tuesday, but the Blue Raiders dropped to ninth place (out of 15) after carding an 18-over 306 at the Dale McNamara Invitational at Patriot Golf Club in Tulsa, Okla.

"It was a little bit tougher for us today out there on the course," head coach Chris Adams said. "We couldn't really get anything going. We avoided putting up the big numbers, but still had a lot of bogeys compared to yesterday. It's a tough course, but we're still in position to make a move."

Smith led all Blue Raiders with five birdies on the day, including two in a row on the 10th and 11th holes. The junior is now tied for 42nd in the 74-player field at 11-over.

"Stephanie really came to play today," Adams said. "She was even through 17, but doubled the last hole. She really stepped up for us and was hitting the ball well. I'm proud of her."

A day after shooting an even-par 72, Allie Knight posted a four-over 76 to drop into a tie for 10th.

"Allie was steady for the most part, but she had a little bit of trouble out there," Adams said. "That said, if you would have told me beforehand that my freshman would go out and shoot a 72 and a 76 on one of the toughest courses she'll ever play in college, I'd take it. She's still in a good position to make some noise tomorrow."

Ashley Haggard and Karisa Akin are tied for 29th and 36th, respectively, at eight-over and nine-over. Haggard was seven-over on Tuesday with a 79 and Akin shot a five-over 77.

Olivia Love is tied for 44th at 12-over after posting a seven-over 79.

Middle Tennessee will play the third and final round of the Dale McNamara Invitational tomorrow. Live scoring is available through Golfstat.com.

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