JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman's women's golf team hasn't been on the links for collegiate competition in three weeks.  The layover ends Monday when the Eagles compete in the Flagler Fall Slam.

"I think the number one thing was they were able to be home and get caught up in their class work," C-N head women's golf coach Suzanne Strudwick said. "This gave them some time to catch up, start their midterms, but also have some time to practice and get their games ready."

The Eagles look to finish the fall strong with the third lowest stroke average among SAC teams, .5 strokes behind both Newberry and Queens. 

Meridith Hawkins (Powell, Tenn.) 78.4 stroke average is the best for C-N.  However, the Eagles can throw out six golfers who shooting, on average, 82 or better.  But Strudwick wants those numbers lower, and believes it starts with the mental game. 

"The physical break is good, especially when you've been in the van on those long trips," Strudwick said. "The mental break has been really good because the event at the PGA National took a lot out of the girls. It gave them time to digest where they really need to be."

For the Eagles, that means playing consistently. 

"I want to challenge the girls with getting out of the norm," Strudwick said. "They're familiar with the course and how it plays. I just don't want them to fall into the trap of playing well in one round and falling flat in the other."

The Eagles tee off Monday morning. 

-CN-