RiverHawks Open Golf Season in Texas

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A year ago the Northeastern State women's golf team did not reach the goals they had set, most noticeably an NCAA Division II Tournament appearance.

RiverHawks golf coach Scott Varner is "putting regional teams on notice" about the 2010 squad as it tees off the season Monday at the St. Mary's University Lady Rattler Roundup being played at The Republic Country Club.

"I know that's a bold statement to make, but I really feel like talent wise we are going to be as good as we were 3 or 4 years ago," said Varner. "We had a great talent then and I feel like we have it again. I feel like we are going to be back on top of the region again."

Two reasons for Varner's optimism about his 2010 squad is super soph Whiney McAteer and the transfer Kelsey Kirkpatrick from Arkansas State University.

"We know what Whitney can do after her outstanding year last season and we expect more of the same, "said Varner.

Kirkpatrick according to Varner "has made a dramatic change" in the makeup of his women's team. ‘With both Whitney and Kelsey we a much stronger. Kelsey plays like a No. 2 or No. 2 player.

"Just like our men they have worked very hard and have had a great work ethic and attitude. They are hitting the golf ball very well. We practiced at Horseshoe Bay at Austin on the way down to San Antonio on Saturday.

"They are playing with great confidence and I think some special things could happen this spring. Again, we are optimistic. I am trying to be cautiously optimistic, but that's my nature.

"We don't have to play great, just solid. If we do that then good things will happen. We just want to play solid golf from top to bottom," said Varner.

We don't have to play great just solid. If we do that then good things will happen. We are just trying to play solid golf from top to bottom.