Illinois will attempt to continue its winning ways this weekend when the women’s golf team hosts the Illini Spring Classic.

The Illini are defending champions at the event and won last weekend’s Plantation Inn Invitational in Crystal River, Fla.

The team played consistently throughout the tournament, extending its 14-stroke lead to a 24-stroke lead during the two-day tournament.

Three of the Illini tied for second place as well as the team defeated Cincinnati, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Wichita State and Marshall.

All were only one stroke behind top finisher Christina Wentworth of UAB.

“A lot of things can happen between now and (next season) if we just stay focused on the process,” said Illinois head coach Paula Smith in a press release.

Smith announced her plan to retire at the end of the season last week. She has been the head coach at Illinois for more than two decades.

Illini senior Megan Godfrey qualified for the first position and will be joined by junior Meghan Naik and sophomores Casey Burden, Stephanie Mory and Seul Ki Park.

Illinois’ other golfers will compete as individuals. However, Smith said that the tournament would give all of the women a chance to test their golf games against the best teams in the country.

“The 2006 Illini Spring Classic has great representation of all of the Division Levels – I, II, and III,” Smith said in a press release. “The team is looking forward to the additional competition.”

There are 16 teams scheduled to compete at the Invitational, which will be the last home contest for Smith, Godfrey and senior Megan O’Neal.

“The Illini golfers still have more of a season ahead after the home tourney with Ohio State Big Tens, and hopefully beyond,” Smith said in a press release.