The Gophers women's golf team will kick off its season Monday and Tuesday at the Hurricane Invitational. The 54-hole tournament will feature 16 teams and will be held at Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club in Coral Gables, Fla.

Minnesota will travel six of its eight members – Banchalee Theinthong, Sarinee Thitiratanakorn, Jackie Shepherd, Anna Laorr, Carmen Laguna and Taylor Quinn. The other two golfers on the roster are Tiffany Gretsch and Amanda Juntti.

Coach Michele Redman said the women had been practicing on their own over winter break and began practicing as a team the first day of spring semester.

"I know when they get back after this long break, they're going to be excited to get back at it," she said.

The Gophers competed in four tournaments last fall, improving their team finish each time. This spring, the Gophers will compete in five events before the Big Ten Championships.

Laguna led the team in scoring average last fall and had the lowest 18-hole score. Her best finish was second at the Hoosier Fall Invitational in October.

Redman said she likes how the team's schedule is spread out this year, allowing enough practice time.