The Midway University Golf Team plays well and holds its own, finishes ahead of two NCAA D-1 teams.
(Midway, Ky.) - The Midway Golfing Eagles continued to impress and improve in the first tournament of the spring season. They traveled down to Jacksonville Beach, Florida and competed against 10 NCAA D-1 teams. The Eagles fought hard and played well, improving on last years tournament score by 97 shots.
"This year I think we were more prepared and knew what to expect. Last, year the team didn't have much time to prepare because of the brutal winter and this year we found an indoor facility that allowed us more practice time and it showed in our play." said head coach Otis Smith. The tournament was contested at the Jacksonville Beach Golf Club, and played to a par of 72 and a yardage of 6,039. This yardage is over 200 yards longer than the average course NAIA schools play. The added length didn't affect the Eagle golfers, as each player played better than the previous year. The Eagles finished the tournament 8th out of 10 teams, but more importantly, gained valuable experience and confidence that will help them in their quest to win the conference championship in late April.
The team was lead by Kathryn Lawler (SO/Georgetown, KY) who posted scores of 79 and 86 for a two day total of 165. After day one, Lawler was only six shots out of the lead and was in the hunt to get her third win of the season. Unfortunately, a rough start to the second round lead to a tie for 24th place finish. Freshmen Rylee Beard (FR/Campbellsville, KY) continued her impressive play from the fall season with the team's second-best individual score, coming in at 34th place with scores of 86-86 for a total of 172. Amanda Cox (SO/Willisburg, KY) was consistent and finished in 49th place with scores of 92-91(183). Kelsey Whitehouse (SO/Bowling Green, KY) returned to the top five and contributed to the team's overall success with scores of 94-93 (187). Mercedes Lane (SO/Henderson, KY) also returned to the top five for the first time since last year's conference championship and produced scores of 97-96 (193). Katie Coyle (JR/Crestwood, KY) and Jasmine Valentine (SO/Simpsonville, KY) competed as individuals and played very consistently both days with scores of 97-96 (193) for Coyle and 109-107 (216) for Valentine.
The Eagles would like to thank everyone who played in and/or contributed to the Second Annual Golf Team Fundraiser Scramble. The team also would like to thank Mr. Charles Griffith and Mr. Rick Dees for their generous donation to the golf team. Without the support of all these people this trip would not have been possible.
The Eagles are back in action on March 21-22 at the Tennessee Wesleyan Invitational in Loudon, Tenn.
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