Sept. 1, 2004

Columbia, Mo. - One day after learning it would begin the season as the No. 25 team in the country according to Golf World, the University of Missouri Women's Golf squad received even better news on Wednesday as Golf Week, which provides college golf with the most in-depth coverage in the country, announced the Tigers would begin the year at No. 17 according to its preseason poll. UCLA was once again the No. 1 squad in Wednesday's rankings that included four Big 12 schools (Oklahoma State - No. 5, Texas - No. 11, Texas A&M - No. 12 and Missouri - No. 17). "These preseason rankings are an indicator of the progress we have made as a program, but there is still a lot of work to do," Mizzou Head Coach Stephanie Cooper said on Wednesday evening. "We are excited to get out on the course next week and continue to improve." After reaching NCAA Regional competition last year for the second time in three years under head coach Stephanie Cooper, Mizzou returns every member of 03-04 roster. Included on that roster is 2003-04 All-Big 12 first-team honoree Denise Knaebel and All-Big 12 second-team member Maria Ohlsson. Add experienced veterans Kelly Strubinger, Mindy Bullard and Stephanie Turner and sophomores Lindsey Adams and Stephanie Wavro to the mix along with super-talented freshman Madde Augustsson, and you've got a recipe for continued success as the 04-05 season progresses. Mizzou set several school records last year including most team wins in single season (3), lowest season stroke average (303.0) and all-time low team 18-hole score (285). Knaebel also set the individual record for season stroke average (74.6) and Ohlsson recorded a stroke average of 75.1, which ranks third on the all-time Tiger charts. The Tigers open their 2004 fall season at the Lady North Classic in Ann Arbor, MI, which will be played on Sept. 11-12.