April 25, 2002

URBANA, Ill. -- After a second-place finish one year ago at the Big Ten Championship -- the best showing by a Northwestern's women's golf team -- the Wildcats are ready to continue their quest for a first league title.

Northwestern joins an extremely competitive field of teams who are in the mix for this year's championship.

"I honestly believe that at least six teams have a real shot of winning this thing, including us," says 'Cats' Head Coach Chris Regenberg. "Because of the seasons they've had, Ohio State and Michigan State have to be considered among the favorites, but this is going to be an interesting tournament.

"Getting off to a good start will be a big key. With 36 holes being played the first day, it is imperative that we come out ready to go."

The tournament begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 26 at Illinois' Stone Creek Golf Club (par 72, 6,276 yards). Interestingly, Northwestern turned in its best team performance of the year back in September on this course. The Wildcats placed second among 14 teams at the Lady Northern Invitational on Sept. 21-23. Senior Emily Gilley (Flossmoor, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor) placed third with a 2-over-par 218. That tournament was played on a shorter course (5,842 yards), however.

The third and fourth rounds will be played on Saturday and Sunday.

For additional information on this weekend's event, visit Illinois' website at Big Ten Women's Golf Championship