Blue Raiders finish first round of National Golf Invitational in third place

Friday, May 12

Middle Tennessee

National Golf Invitational

5/12/2023 5:13:00 PM | Women's Golf

Bebelaar, Edlin in the top 10 individually

By: Thomas Donley, MT Athletics

MARICOPA, Ariz. - Middle Tennessee women's golf ended the first day of the National Golf Invitational in third place as a team Friday. The Blue Raiders carded a 291 (+3), led by Molly Bebelaar's 70 (-2) and Taylor Edlin's 71 (-1) at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club.

Bebelaar finished the round tied for fifth, three strokes off the individual lead. She carded six birdies Friday, her highest single-round total of the season. The Louisville, Ky., native started the day with birdies on three of her first four holes, adding three more on consecutive holes on the back nine.

Edlin joins Bebelaar in the top 10, ending play tied for seventh. She picked up four birdies on the day, including one on the final hole of the day.

Lanie Campbell ended the first round in the top 20, tying for 19th at 74 (+2). She was 1-under on the front nine with no bogeys.

Abbie Lee and Catherine Caudill ended the day tied for 29th at 76 (+4).

MTSU heads into the second round three strokes off the lead.

By the Numbers
6 – Bebelaar's six birdies led all players in the field Friday.
-4 – Bebelaar's 4-under performance on par 4 holes was the best of any individual in the first round.
6 – Edlin was one of just six players to birdie the 18th hole Friday.

COACH'S COMMENTS - CHRIS ADAMS
"It was a great start today, and I am proud of everyone's play. They took advantage of birdie opportunities and didn't give too many back. The course is beautiful, and we are so lucky to have been invited. Molly really played well with a 2 under and Taylor finished strong with a 1 under and not having a practice round! Can't wait to see what the next two days bring for the team."

Tournament Notes