April 14, 2005

The North Carolina women's golf team will look to end the season on a positive note as they head into this weekend's ACC Championship at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, N.C. It has been an uncharacteristic spring for the team that finished in the top 15 at the NCAA Championship the past two years.

"I think it's fair to say that we're disappointed with the season," says head coach Sally Austin. "It's been a tough year for all of us because we all know we haven't played as well as we would have liked."

Carolina has not finished better than 8th place in a tournament this spring. Two of the major sources of their problems have been injuries and their lack of experience.

The back injury of junior Beth Marushak, from Northampton, Pa., has left a hole in the Tar Heels' lineup since the fall. The first major signs of the injury came when she withdrew from the Franklin Street Partners Invitational in the second round of play. She has played in two tournaments this spring, however the injury has limited her performance. Her best finish was a tie for 33rd at the Lady Gamecock Classic. Team doctors have been unable to determine the cause of her pain, but have cleared her to play in this weekend's ACC Championship.

"She thinks she can go to the ACC Championship and we certainly need her," says Austin. "She's a junior so she's got experience. We're just hoping that she can make it for three days."

In Marushak's absence, two young players, Katie Miller and Ann Laney, have emerged as major contributors. Miller, a sophomore from Jeannette, Pa., has recorded top 20 finishes in three of the four tournaments this spring, including a tie for sixth at the LSU/Cleveland Golf Classic. Laney, a freshman from Charlotte, N.C., has been Carolina's top individual in two events this spring.

"Neither Katie nor Ann have nearly seen the end of their potential," notes Austin. "I'm really excited about next year because we won't lose anybody and this team will just improve and grow."

Laney will find herself on a very familiar course at this year's ACC Championship. As a member at Carmel Country Club, she will provide the Tar Heels with a good source to consult as they evaluate their course strategies.

As always, this year's ACC Championship posts some of the top programs in women's golf, including the number one ranked Duke Blue Devils. Duke will go for their 10th straight championship this year. Ashley Hoagland, the eighth-ranked player in the country, and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons are the most likely to challenge the Blue Devils this year.

Despite a bumpy spring, North Carolina coach Sally Austin maintains her enthusiasm and expects her team to finish on a strong note.

"It's going to be a tough tournament with great competition," says Austin. "But, we're always excited about the opportunity to compete. We're looking to finish in the top three and I think we can."