Slobodnik-Stoll said she chose her five golfers for the invitational after a seven-round qualifying match.

“We all need to succeed,” Slobodnik-Stoll said. “Just instituting the expectation they all have to meet and they all understand that some might not make travel team but they can be used for academics or in the gym. They’ve always been close-knit like a family.”

Slobodnik-Stoll said each golfer has been working on sharpening her individuals skills.

“Since last season, I’ve been working on my short game,” sophomore Aimee Neff said. “Lots of different drills like putting and chipping that all translate into the game.”

Last season, Neff was named Second Team All-Big Ten and was awarded the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.

“We’re going to have a great year,” Neff said. “I love the team. We’re young, but I think we will do well.”

Junior Laura Kueny placed first in the 2007 Mary Fossum Invitational while setting a tournament record. She was named First Team All-Big Ten last season.

“I feel like everything is going to click this weekend and this season,” Kueny said.

Kueny has been working on her tempo swing and wedge.

“My dad and I put out a golf club box,” Kueny said. “Then, I bring the club back without hitting the box and do the same thing coming down. With (assistant) coach Lorne (Don), we’ve been using a range finder. I hit a certain shot and see how far it goes.”

Competing with MSU in the invitational will be Eastern Michigan, Ferris State, Iowa, Kent State, Michigan, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Northwestern, Toledo and Western Michigan.

“We’re going to be analyzing them to see what they can do good and what they can do better,” Slobodnik-Stoll said.

“The goal is to do better. They’re competitors. We’re working on getting the scores we need to get. It’s the first tournament of the year, so we’re going to scout everyone out.”