Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
NOTEBOOK: Farewell
4/15/2025 4:58:00 PM | Football, General, Men's Tennis, Men's Cross Country and Track & Field, Softball, Women's Golf, Women's Tennis, Track & Field/Cross Country
Softball at home this weekend in the ‘Boro! CUSA Championships season in swing for Tennis, Women’s Golf
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — It's a bittersweet day for your Notebook writer here at Middle Tennessee, as today, April 15, will be my last at MTSU.
I've enjoyed covering so many moments in my time at MTSU, from two Bowl victories in Football, Softball's run in the 2023 Tuscaloosa Regional, Women's Basketball's NCAA Tournament win over Louisville in 2024 and too many Men's Basketball games to count in the Murphy Center, among many others. It's been a pleasure that so many of you have been along for the ride.
I'd be remiss to not mention Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance, who have sponsored both my notebook and column over the years in Murfreesboro through our partnership with Van Wanger (and Learfield before them!). Thank you to them for their support (and for their help and professionalism with a shoulder injury I sustained recently! This part is #notsponsored, but I can personally attest to the care and professionalism).
My socials will remain the same wherever I go next, so I hope many of you will continue to follow along. I know I will be following the Blue Raiders closely wherever I go next.
Until then, farewell!
- Sam Doughton
Women's Golf with one round to play CUSA Championship
The Blue Raiders are in sole possession of fifth place with one round to play in the 2025 Conference USA Women's Golf Championship. MTSU is at team score of 14-over through two rounds, 13 shots back of tournament leader Jax State.
Senior Abbie Lee shot the ball well on moving day, rifling 16 spots up the leaderboard with a 3-under par round on Tuesday. Lee fired off six birdies to move to one-under par for the tournament, tied for third and four shots back of the co-leaders at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla.
Tennis heads to Lynchburg for both CUSA Championship Tournaments
The Blue Raiders head to Lynchburg, Va. this weekend with high expectations, with the men's tennis program entering the Conference USA Championships as the No. 1 seed and the women's tennis program earning a No. 2 seed in their tournament this weekend.
Both Jimmy Borendame and Tayo Bailey-Duvall stopped by the Spring Sports Show this week with Van Wagner to chat about the challenge their programs face. Men's Tennis is looking for their sixth straight CUSA title. Women's Tennis is looking for their first conference championship since the year 2000.
Softball hosts critical series with Jax State starting on Thursday
With just six teams making the CUSA softball tournament, the final few series will be critical for MTSU softball, who sit in a tie for sixth place at 9-9 in CUSA play with three series to go. The Blue Raiders, however, are just two games back from second place in Conference USA, with no series against teams higher than fifth left on their schedule this spring.
MTSU will start that run this weekend at Blue Raider Softball Field, taking on Jax State, who's just a game ahead of the Blue Raiders at 10-8 in CUSA play. Games will be contested on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Middle Tennessee took two of three from Western Kentucky, including a walk-off home run from Jana Want to clinch the series on Sunday.
Soccer continues Spring Slate on Saturday
Sherman named CUSA Athlete of the Week
Conference USA has named its Male Athlete of the Week, with a Blue Raider earning the honor following a standout performance at the Crimson Tide Invitational.
Middle Tennessee's John Sherman received the award after an impressive showing over the weekend. Sherman took first place in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events, setting personal bests in each with times of 10.21 seconds and 20.50 seconds, respectively.
Sherman's outdoor season is off to a stellar start. In addition to his victories, he is establishing himself as one of the top sprinters in the nation, ranking in the top 50 nationally in both the 100 and 200 meters.
Exclusive football season ticket holder benefits announced
MTSU Athletics is thrilled to unveil exclusive benefits for our valued Season Ticket Holders this season, designed to enhance the game day experience and reward our most dedicated fans.
As a token of appreciation, Season Ticket Holders will enjoy the following new perks:
Additional benefits of being a Season Ticket Holder:
Payment Plan Options: Blue Raider football fans can make their ticket commitment by the renewal deadline without any financial transaction due until July 15 when selecting the 2-month payment plan. There are FIVE payment plan options available: 5-month (April - August), 4-month (May - August), 3-month (June - August), 2-month (July - August) and a pay-in-full option. Make your commitment today to take advantage of the longest payment plan option. New season ticket holders can take advantage of payment plan options as well.
Payment plan sign-up deadlines are the 15th of each month and automatically process your method of payment on the 16th of each month. Example - The 5-month (April - August) sign up deadline is April 15th.
Premium Seating Options and Blue Raider Athletic Association commitments - Have you ever wondered what it would be like to enjoy the season in the Jeff Hendrix Stadium Club or the new SRM Concrete Club? Or entertain friends and family in one of our Sky Suites or an Open-Air Box? Premium seating options are now available for season ticket purchase. If you are interested in learning more about availability and BRAA commitment levels, email James Kentfield at james.kentfield@mtsu.edu for more information.
*Please note that if you already have premium seats in one of these three areas (Stadium Club, Sky Suites, Open Air Box), that your donation requirement will need to be fulfilled prior to accessing your tickets for the 2025 season.
If you have any questions about your season ticket renewal, didn't receive your email renewal, or about purchasing new season tickets, contact the ticket office at tickets@mtsu.edu or call 615-898-5261.
I've enjoyed covering so many moments in my time at MTSU, from two Bowl victories in Football, Softball's run in the 2023 Tuscaloosa Regional, Women's Basketball's NCAA Tournament win over Louisville in 2024 and too many Men's Basketball games to count in the Murphy Center, among many others. It's been a pleasure that so many of you have been along for the ride.
I'd be remiss to not mention Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance, who have sponsored both my notebook and column over the years in Murfreesboro through our partnership with Van Wanger (and Learfield before them!). Thank you to them for their support (and for their help and professionalism with a shoulder injury I sustained recently! This part is #notsponsored, but I can personally attest to the care and professionalism).
My socials will remain the same wherever I go next, so I hope many of you will continue to follow along. I know I will be following the Blue Raiders closely wherever I go next.
Until then, farewell!
- Sam Doughton
-30- pic.twitter.com/Qh6QXSaR0j
— Sam Doughton (@sjdoughton) April 15, 2025
Women's Golf with one round to play CUSA Championship
The Blue Raiders are in sole possession of fifth place with one round to play in the 2025 Conference USA Women's Golf Championship. MTSU is at team score of 14-over through two rounds, 13 shots back of tournament leader Jax State.
One more round to give it our all tomorrow pic.twitter.com/BEgLhJTxBN
— Middle Tennessee Women's Golf (@MT_WGolf) April 15, 2025
Senior Abbie Lee shot the ball well on moving day, rifling 16 spots up the leaderboard with a 3-under par round on Tuesday. Lee fired off six birdies to move to one-under par for the tournament, tied for third and four shots back of the co-leaders at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla.
Abbie Lee: really good at this golf thing
— Middle Tennessee Women's Golf (@MT_WGolf) April 15, 2025
She's sitting at T3 through two rounds pic.twitter.com/gVf5QBATVI
Abbie's dropped in 3️⃣ birdies this morning to lead us at -1 pic.twitter.com/kMSSRdoEty
— Middle Tennessee Women's Golf (@MT_WGolf) April 15, 2025
Tennis heads to Lynchburg for both CUSA Championship Tournaments
The Blue Raiders head to Lynchburg, Va. this weekend with high expectations, with the men's tennis program entering the Conference USA Championships as the No. 1 seed and the women's tennis program earning a No. 2 seed in their tournament this weekend.
🎾 2025 MEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET 🎾#NoLimitsOnUs | https://t.co/88J3127oAG pic.twitter.com/KZuqB1y7tq
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) April 14, 2025
🎾 2025 WOMEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET 🎾#NoLimitsOnUs | https://t.co/J62MRG1gcY pic.twitter.com/tdBUEb1rjV
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) April 14, 2025
Both Jimmy Borendame and Tayo Bailey-Duvall stopped by the Spring Sports Show this week with Van Wagner to chat about the challenge their programs face. Men's Tennis is looking for their sixth straight CUSA title. Women's Tennis is looking for their first conference championship since the year 2000.
Softball hosts critical series with Jax State starting on Thursday
With just six teams making the CUSA softball tournament, the final few series will be critical for MTSU softball, who sit in a tie for sixth place at 9-9 in CUSA play with three series to go. The Blue Raiders, however, are just two games back from second place in Conference USA, with no series against teams higher than fifth left on their schedule this spring.
MTSU will start that run this weekend at Blue Raider Softball Field, taking on Jax State, who's just a game ahead of the Blue Raiders at 10-8 in CUSA play. Games will be contested on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Middle Tennessee took two of three from Western Kentucky, including a walk-off home run from Jana Want to clinch the series on Sunday.
A very bad day to be a Hilltopper 😬#BLUEnited | ⚡️⬆️ pic.twitter.com/WPr5c4ikdT
— Middle Tennessee Softball (@MT_Softball) April 13, 2025
Soccer continues Spring Slate on Saturday
What's Happening in the 'Boro - presented by Ole South@MT_Softball remains home for three and @MT_Soccer hosts a Saturday match!
— Middle Tennessee Athletics (@MTAthletics) April 14, 2025
⚽️🎟️ FREE
🥎🎟️ https://t.co/FpVYoaIe2Z#BLUEnited pic.twitter.com/VOLyITAf58
Who does a post-match tailgate better than the Blue Army? Answer: no one 🙂↔️ pic.twitter.com/OJ5C9yXrUL
— Middle Tennessee Soccer (@MT_Soccer) April 14, 2025
Sherman named CUSA Athlete of the Week
Conference USA has named its Male Athlete of the Week, with a Blue Raider earning the honor following a standout performance at the Crimson Tide Invitational.
Middle Tennessee's John Sherman received the award after an impressive showing over the weekend. Sherman took first place in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events, setting personal bests in each with times of 10.21 seconds and 20.50 seconds, respectively.
John Sherman setting the track on fire so far this season 🔥@ConferenceUSA #BLUEnited pic.twitter.com/1ybUjBTeZG
— Middle Tennessee XC/Track & Field (@MT_TrackField) April 15, 2025
Sherman's outdoor season is off to a stellar start. In addition to his victories, he is establishing himself as one of the top sprinters in the nation, ranking in the top 50 nationally in both the 100 and 200 meters.
Exclusive football season ticket holder benefits announced
MTSU Athletics is thrilled to unveil exclusive benefits for our valued Season Ticket Holders this season, designed to enhance the game day experience and reward our most dedicated fans.
As a token of appreciation, Season Ticket Holders will enjoy the following new perks:
- 10% Off Lightning's Locker Room on Game Days: Show your season ticket holder status and receive 10% off all purchases at Lightning's Locker Room, located inside Floyd Stadium near Gate 2. Gear up with the latest merchandise while enjoying great savings!
- $11 Concession Stand Bundle: Indulge in our special game day concession stand bundle, which includes a hot dog, popcorn, and a drink for just $11.
- Exclusive Season Ticket Holder Merchandise Drops: Be the first to access limited-edition merchandise available only to Season Ticket Holders. Keep an eye out for special drops throughout the season, offering unique items to showcase your Blue Raider pride.
Additional benefits of being a Season Ticket Holder:
- Season Ticket Holder Trade In: Sideline Reserved and End Zone Reserved ticket holders (non-premium) have the option to trade in one game they can't attend for any other home game in advance
- Away Game Priority: Season ticket holders gain access to away game tickets directly following Blue Raider Athletic Association members
Payment Plan Options: Blue Raider football fans can make their ticket commitment by the renewal deadline without any financial transaction due until July 15 when selecting the 2-month payment plan. There are FIVE payment plan options available: 5-month (April - August), 4-month (May - August), 3-month (June - August), 2-month (July - August) and a pay-in-full option. Make your commitment today to take advantage of the longest payment plan option. New season ticket holders can take advantage of payment plan options as well.
Payment plan sign-up deadlines are the 15th of each month and automatically process your method of payment on the 16th of each month. Example - The 5-month (April - August) sign up deadline is April 15th.
Premium Seating Options and Blue Raider Athletic Association commitments - Have you ever wondered what it would be like to enjoy the season in the Jeff Hendrix Stadium Club or the new SRM Concrete Club? Or entertain friends and family in one of our Sky Suites or an Open-Air Box? Premium seating options are now available for season ticket purchase. If you are interested in learning more about availability and BRAA commitment levels, email James Kentfield at james.kentfield@mtsu.edu for more information.
*Please note that if you already have premium seats in one of these three areas (Stadium Club, Sky Suites, Open Air Box), that your donation requirement will need to be fulfilled prior to accessing your tickets for the 2025 season.
If you have any questions about your season ticket renewal, didn't receive your email renewal, or about purchasing new season tickets, contact the ticket office at tickets@mtsu.edu or call 615-898-5261.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
Sprinter
/ Men's Cross Country and Track & Field
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