Women's golf aiming to finish regular season on a high note

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - In each of the past two spring seasons, the Middle Tennessee women's golf team has taken home a victory in the last regular season event before turning to the conference tournament, and the Blue Raiders will hope to keep that going on Monday as they begin play at the Samford Intercollegiate at Limestone Springs Golf Club in Oneonta, Ala.

"I hope this will be a good preparation for us for the conference championship next week, but ultimately our goal is to go down there and win," head coach Chris Adams said. "It's supposed to be a pretty good golf course, and we should have perfect conditions. The greens are very similar to what we'll see at Muscle Shoals next week, and we're looking forward to it."

Reigning Sun Belt Golfer of the Month Karisa Akin will be looking to build off her low medalist showing at the UALR Golf Classic last time out, and Adams believes that the senior has what it takes to end her standout Blue Raider career in spectacular fashion.

"She's got a lot of confidence right now," Adams said. "You'd like to see her keep it up this week, and then head into conference with even more confidence. Especially because she's played so well there in the past, finishing in the top five two years ago and losing in a playoff last year. She wants to finish her senior year off strong."

Ashley Haggard and Allie Knight will also be making the trip after the duo tied for 22nd at the UALR Golf Classic, each posting a nine-over 225.

Olivia Love and Haley Cothran round out the line-up for MT, with the latter making her collegiate debut as a part of the team. The freshman competed as an individual at UALR, and will be replacing the injured Natalie Chrisopulos.

"Haley shot a 73 in the last round of qualifying the other day at Stones River," Adams said. "When she played that well in a situation like that, I had to like her chances to qualify. I'm looking forward to seeing how she plays this week."

Stephanie Smith and Steph Gough are set to compete as individuals in the event. Smith will be playing in her first tournament of the spring, and Gough will be looking to close out her final season in fashion.

The Blue Raiders are set to begin play at the Samford Intercollegiate on Monday morning with two 18-hole rounds before finishing with another 18 on Tuesday. Live scoring will not be available.

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