Blue Raiders in eighth after first day of Thompson Invitational

Monday, March 6

'Ewa Beach, Hawaii

Middle Tennessee

Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational

3/6/2023 8:46:00 PM | Women's Golf

Catherine Caudill, Taylor Edlin in the top 20

By: Thomas Donley, MT Athletics

'Ewa Beach, Hawaii - Middle Tennessee women's golf recovered from a slow first round to move up the leaderboard in the second round on the first day of Hawaii's Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational. After weather delayed the start of play, the Blue Raiders posted a team score of 319 (+31) in the first round but rebounded with a 301 (+13) to move up to eighth place heading into the third round.

Average scores among the 69-player field improved by less than one stroke from the first round to the second, but the six Blue Raiders in action Monday improved by an average of 3.2 strokes in the second round at Hokalei Country Club.

Catherine Caudill finished the day in a tie for eighth place at 150 (+6). After carding a 77 (+5) in the first round, she carded a 73 (+1) in the second, birdieing one hole and bogeying just two in the second. Heading into Tuesday's third round, the Clarksville native is in line for the seventh top-10 finish of the year and her first top-25 finish of the season.

Taylor Edlin led the Blue Raiders with five birdies on the day. She followed a first-round 76 (+4) with a 75 (+3) in the second round and is tied for 15th individually at 151 (+7).

Molly Bebelaar finished the day in a tie for 43rd at 158 (+14). She matched Edlin with three second-round birdies to lead the team, taking 10 strokes off her first-round score with a 74 (+2) in the second round.

Abbie Lee is tied for 48th with a score of 161 (+17). Lanie Campbell rounds out the MTSU lineup in 64th at 171 (+27).

Playing as an individual, Lauren Gilchrist is tied for 46th at 160 (+16) after identical rounds of 80 (+8).

By the Numbers
5 - Edlin's five birdies are tied for fourth-most among the field.
5 - Caudill's second-round 73 equaled her fifth-best round of the season.
9 - MTSU's second-round team score of 301 tied the ninth-best team round of 2022-23.

Coach's Comments: Chris Adams
"Not the start we wanted this morning in the rain and after an hour rain delay. Bounced back in the second round and are still in a position to move up. Catherine is in the top 10, and Taylor is in the top 15, so they are all in a great position. We have to come out tomorrow early with some confidence and win the day!"

Tournament Notes