RAPID CITY, S.D. -- The Lindsey Wilson College women's golf team begins play in the NAIA National Championships today at Meadowbrook Municipal Golf Course.

The Blue Raiders earned the Mid-South Conference's automatic bid after winning the conference title on April 27. The appearance is the sixth straight for the Blue Raiders who have finished in the top 10 the last three national tournaments. Lindsey Wilson finished a program-best national runner-up three seasons ago.

Lindsey Wilson seniors Jessica Smith -- the Mid-South Conference Player of the Year -- and Krista Burton -- the 2007 NAIA individual national champion -- lead the Blue Raiders. Burton enters the tournament with a 77.33 scoring average to lead the team, while Smith is averaging 78.11 which ranks second on the team.

Junior Chelsey Key -- 78.28 scoring average -- senior Cheslee Stone and freshman Kelsey Joslyn rounds out the Blue Raider quintet.

Joslyn opens the national tournament for the Blue Raiders at 2:20 p.m. CT followed by the rest of the team.