Illini optimistic about spring season start at Arizona invitational
The Illini Women’s Golf Team walks to the next hole on Sept. 18, 2008
February 23, 2017
The Illinois women’s golf team will start its spring season this weekend, participating in the Westbrook Spring Invitational in Peoria, Arizona.
Bing Singhsumalee, a sophomore who secured Second Team All-Big Ten honors last year, said she is happy to get the season going.
“It’s the first one of the season, so we’re just excited to be competing again,” Singhsumalee said.
This year marks the sixth straight time Illinois is participating in the invitational.
The team last won the tournament in 2012 and finished in 11th place last season.
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Senior Stephanie Miller said she looks at this competition as a good launching point for the Illini.
“We look forward to this tournament every year,” Miller said. “We usually play pretty well in this tournament, and it’s a good start for us.”
The tournament features multiple Big Ten schools, including host team Wisconsin.
Miller said that the team is excited to compete with more conference opponents than usual.
The team will look to build on its performances from the fall.
The Illini placed no lower than sixth in their four tournaments, with two top-three finishes. Miller said the way the team finished last year served as a confidence boost, and she thinks the team can capitalize on that momentum.
“We know we have a lot of potential,” Miller said. “We’re ready to go out there and score well and show everybody how good our team is.”
Head coach Renee Slone also feels optimistic about this season.
She said that she’s been pushing her team to focus on the process more.
One of her main goals for this team is to continue the growth and development they’ve shown in recent performances.
“We did some great things in the fall,” Slone said.
“I think that may have opened their eyes to what the possibilities really are.”
Slone has high hopes for what this team is capable of, and she hopes that they can see it, too.
“I feel like this team does have tremendous capabilities and potential,” Slone said.
“It’s just a matter of belief.”
The Westbrook Spring Invitational begins Sunday, Feb. 26.
