Expectations raised for No. 30-ranked women's golf this season

Success means increased expectations. \nAfter starting last season ranked 107th in the Golf Coaches Association of America preseason ranks, IU went out and won its first tournament on the way to making its first appearance in the national championship since 1998. \nThe Hoosiers start this season ranked No. 30, but IU coach Clint Wallman is unfazed by the expectations.\n“There is a maturity and experience factor, and we recognize we achieved unique things,” Wallman said. “However, we are concentrated on here and now so we can get back to nationals next year.”\nBoosting IU’s chances of reaching nationals for the second year in a row is the fact that the squad returns its entire starting lineup. Led by senior Elaine Harris who captured the individual title at the Mountain View Collegiate last March, the team will also depend on senior Lauren Harling and sophomores Kellye Belcher, Anita Gahir and Laura Nochta.\nNochta, who played a large role in IU’s success with two top-10 finishes last year, was excited to see the team return intact. \n“We are lucky to have every single girl coming back from the starting lineup,” Nochta said. “We get along well as a team, and it is amazing to be together.” \nWith last season behind them, IU now starts this season at the Mary Fossum Invitational in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday and Sunday.\nIU competed on that course last season, placing seventh during the regular season and fifth in the Big Ten Championships.\nWallman was happy to be starting the season in familiar territory.\n“This is the same team as at the Big Ten Tournament,” Wallman said. “We are familiar with this golf course, and this will help us, as we played five rounds here last year.”\nNochta agreed. \n“We have an advantage knowing the course,” she said. “We know where we are safe on the course and where we are not.”\nThis weekend’s tournament will last all day Saturday and Sunday. The team’s scores will be updated periodically online at www.golfstat.com.