Finishing third in the WIAC in 2011, UW-Whitewater’s women’s golf team will have another legitimate shot at winning the WIAC this season.

In the last seven years under Head Coach Brett Weber, the ‘Hawks haven’t ended the season lower than third in conference.

The goal is always to win the conference and potentially nationals, but Weber said he simply strives for improvement.

“From week to week our goal is to get better and to play at a high level,” Weber said.

The foundation to any successful team is great leadership. The ‘Hawks have that this year in seniors Amy Peters and Melissa Ellis.

Alongside the seniors, Division I transfer from UW-Green Bay, Nicole Westcott, will be another player the ‘Hawks can rely on.

“Nicole is a great player,” Weber said. “She’s got some big time experience.”

Weber also said Junior Alexa Campanile and freshman Paytan Saari should contribute greatly to the team this year.

Campanile was one of the top golfers last year for the ‘Hawks, and at last week’s Georgianni Memorial UW-EC Invite in Eau Claire, Saari posted a team high 78 for the ‘Hawks after day one.

She ended up finishing second on the team for the two day event, shooting a 168 behind Westcott’s 165.

With two seniors leading the way and great golfers following behind them, expectations are high.

Weber hasn’t placed first in the WIAC yet in his 11 years here at UW-Whitewater, but finishing first this season certainly isn’t out of the question.

The ‘Hawks will host their annual UW-Whitewater Fall Fling on September 23 and 24. The ‘Hawks won the event out of eight teams a season ago.