Sept. 26, 2008

The University of Memphis women's golf team looks to improve from its last tournament as the Lady Tigers open play at the Johnie Imes Invitational Sept. 29-30. The tournament is being held at the 6,204-yar par 72 Club at Old Hawethorne with the University of Missouri as the host school.

After a significant improvement on the last day of the Cincinnati Fall Classic on Sept. 16, Lady Tiger head coach Beth Harrelson looks for her team to build off that momentum.

"In the last round of the Cincinnati tournament, we showed what we are capable of as a team. I'm confident that our team will use that as a learning experience, and it will help us play even better this weekend," said Coach Harrelson.

The team is also excited to have senior standout Rachel Larson back for this tournament. Larson, who missed the first tournament of the year, is the team's lone senior. Last season as a junior, Larson competed in nine tournaments, posting three top-20 finishes and carding a low round of 71.

"I think that having Rachel back will have a big impact on the team in two ways. First, she will provide senior leadership, which is something I think every team needs. Second, it will give our team a sense of unity now that they will all be traveling and playing together," said Coach Harrelson.

After a solid performance at the Cincinnati Fall Classic, junior Leslie Grabeman looks to continue her strong play this weekend at the Johnie Imes Invitational. Grabeman shot a three round total of 226 (78-76-72) and finished tied for 10th in the tournament.

The Johnie Imes Invitational tees off on Monday with the opening round to begin at 8:30 a.m. (CT). The tournament concludes on Tuesday with the completion of the third round.