The season opener didn’t go quite as planned for Minnesota. 

The Gophers lost 4.5-1.5 at a private dual at the Spring Hill Country Club in Wayzata, Minnesota on Saturday against Michigan State. 

Senior Sabrine Garrison, junior Muyu Wu and freshman Jessica Lee all tied their opponents Saturday as they were the only point getters on the team, while redshirt freshman Christine Portillo, freshman Grace Kellar and freshman Kate Lillie lost their matches for the Gophers. Head coach Michele Redman said she was not too concerned with their performance, however. 

“There is a lot of things I like right now, the team chemistry is really good and in my opinion that is the most important thing,” Redman said. 

Garrison is coming off a season where she finished third on the team in average scoring with a 76.56. 

“We get along really well with Michigan State, we were just trying to enjoy ourselves our little more and relax before our next event,” Garrison said. 

The Gophers will look to have a good showing in a familiar setting — Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury on Monday and Tuesday. They will rely on their team chemistry to help them come out with a victory at the Minnesota Invitational.

“We just know that everybody on the team is behind each other, whether that is a wave on the course or a smile,” Garrison said. “That gives us a relaxed feeling which is nice because this sport can be mentally and physically exhausting.”

The tournament has a strong field, with USC and Georgia both being top-10 in the NCAA.

“This is probably the best field we have ever had,” Redman said. 

That does not scare her, however, as she is very happy with where things are at with the team. 

“I really like where our team is at right now and I look forward to sitting back and watching good golf play out,” Redman said.