Blue Raiders remain in second on day two of Chris Banister Classic

GLENCOE, Ala. - The Blue Raider women's golf team remained in second place on a rain-delayed day two at the Chris Banister Golf Classic at Silver Lakes Golf Club hosted by Jacksonville State.

"It was a tough day, and I'm disappointed that we're 12 strokes behind, but the bottom line is it can still reverse tomorrow," head coach Chris Adams said. "We have to get more contributions from the bottom of the lineup, and they know that. Obviously it's the first tournament, so we've got a ways to go, but we expected to come in and have an opportunity to win, and we're still in it."

Monday's action featured about an hour and a half rain delay before the tournament resumed play.

Middle Tennessee posted a team score of 303 on Monday to go along with Sunday's 299 for a total of 602 (+26) heading into the final day. Texas State (590, +14) increased its lead over the Blue Raiders to 12 strokes after shooting a 292 on Monday. MT now has a 12-stroke cushion over third-place Murray State (614, +38).

"Texas State is going to be tough to beat because it's a top 50 program," Adams said. "Hats off to them because to shoot the way they did today in those conditions is pretty good. We just need everyone to contribute tomorrow."

The Blue Raiders continued to boast one of the tournament's top competitors, this time with Emily Williams jumping to the top of the leaderboard. Williams and Texas State's Valdis Jonsdottir are currently tied for first with a 146 (+2) after posting matching scores of 74 and 72 in the first two rounds. Ashley Haggard (148, +4), who led after day one with a 70, carded a 78 in round two and sits tied for sixth.

"Emily is a blessing on the golf course," Adams said. "She made a ton of birdies, and anytime you have a freshman doing that, stepping up and leading the tournament, it's just a bonus. She's always down the middle, stays out of trouble and takes care of business. When you have a freshman come in and lead the tournament you're obviously going to be in the mix. Now we just have to get some of the upperclassmen to step up to the plate."

Natalie Chrisopulos (153, +9) finished the day in 12th after registering a 77, while Allie Knight (158, +14) is tied for 17th and Olivia Love (164, +20) is tied for 35th.

Avery George holds the 13th spot with a 155 (+11) and Haley Cothran is tied for 30th with a 162 (+18), with both playing as individuals.

The tournament concludes Tuesday with the top three teams teeing off early and the others following suit after. The Blue Raiders tee off at 7:30 a.m.