This Friday, the Gators women’s golf team will begin its quest for its third NCAA title in program history.
The field of 36 teams competing in Sugar Grove, Illinois, includes five from the SEC: UF, Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas and Texas A&M. In-state rivals FSU and Miami will also be vying for the title.
Coach Emily Glaser, who has led the Gators to NCAA Championship appearances in every season she’s been at UF since she took the job in 2012, said her team’s experience at the NCAA Regional in Columbus, Ohio, did a lot to prepare them for the trial that awaits.
"To be able to play on this type of course under the pressure of regionals the week before the National Championship is a huge advantage for us,” Glaser said after the Gators took a share of the regional title on May 12. “This (was) the type of course where taking a mental vacation at any time will cost you dearly. We expect the NCAA Championship to be like that as well.”
Seniors Kelly Grassel and Maria Torres are expected to lead the way for the Gators this weekend. Grassel took a share of the individual title in Columbus last week, posting an even par on a particularly difficult course. Torres is looking to get back into her First Team All-SEC form after shooting 11 over for the tournament.
Contact Morgan McMullen at mmcmullen@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @morganmcmuffin
Kelly Grassel lines up her shot during the 2015 SunTrust Gator Invitational at the Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville.
