BURNSVILLE, MN – The University of Mary women's golf team will return all but one athlete from last year's squad including sophomore and NSIC Athlete to Watch Annie Neva. Neva and the Marauders were picked to finish 9^th in the Northern Sun's Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Neva began her collegiate career brilliantly, finishing in the top-5 of her first three tournaments. She ended the year with a team-high 16^th place finish at the NSIC Championships.

"Annie made an immediate impact last season as a freshman, earning a travel spot right away and helping us win in Bemidji Tracy Lane Memorial Tournament and placing in several tournaments after," said head coach Marion Hernandez. "She plays smart, steady golf and minimizes mistakes — definitely a player to watch this year."

Neva averaged a score of 83.4 throughout her freshman season.

UMary had a very strong fall season as a team with five top-three finishes in as many tournaments. That includes a pair of team victories at the Tracy Lane Memorial Tournament and the Marauders Tournament. The team went on to place 10^th out of 12 teams at the NSIC Championships in the spring.

"We have a young team that gained valuable experience from last year's highs and challenges," said Hernandez. "The addition of two talented freshmen brings fresh energy and depth to our roster. I'm excited to see how that combination pushes us to the next level this season."

In addition to Neva, Carrie Carmichael will be returning for her senior season. Carmichael had two individual victories and five top-10 finishes. She led the team's scoring efforts in seven of 10 meets.

The season begins on the road in Bemidji, MN, at the Tracy Lane Memorial Tournament on Sept. 8 and 9 as the team looks to repeat as champions. UMary will host the Marauders Tournament on Sept. 29 and 30 at Hawktree Golf Course in Bismarck, ND.

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