OMAHA, Neb. – Keri Rodriguez has reason to be optimistic.

The College of Saint Mary Golf Coach heads into the 2024-2025 season with an experienced squad and plenty of depth.

"We have a solid group returning this year – specifically Emily Faubel and Gabby Sinnet," Rodriguez said. "Both of them have played consistently in the top five each tournament for us since they were freshmen. I also have a solid group battling for top five positions each tournament including Katie Freeman, Ritzy Dominguez, Alexa Piecko and Anna Moore.

"It's great to have the depth we have on this team. We have three to four players that are averaging within one shot of each other and are competing to be in the top five. The friendly competition during practices has been fun to watch."

Rodriguez knows the Flames have the talent to compete, but she said the mental part of the game will be an area she hopes her team can improve on.

"We have incredibly talented golfers on this team," she said. "They are good – really good – and have the potential to be great. If they can get out of their own heads when competing, we could make a run for nationals."

The Flames finished 11^th in the Great Plains Athletic Conference last season and Rodriguez is expecting her team to make a big jump this year

"We had a poor finish last season and I would like to see us in the top five at least this year," Rodriguez said. "I'm seeing solid work ethic at practices and the team is getting along well so far.

"You can't have a winning team with a team that is divided. The team has to get along and be supportive of each other. They know how to golf and they know the drills they need to do during practices to improve. But it will be for nothing if they can't get along. Collegiate golf is more of a team sport that people realize."

Rodriquez said she plans to keep her team focused on improvement and reaching goals.

"With the talent on this team I expect stronger finishes and more individual hardware brought home this year," she said. "As a team we've set goals to practice with a purpose and to break our one-day record of 322. I'm going to push them more – this group has the skills to handle it."

The Flames open the 2024-2025 season Thursday and Friday at the Mount Marty Fall Invite. Thursday's round begins at 10 a.m. and will be played at Fox Run Golf Course. Friday's round starts at 10 a.m. at Hillcrest Golf and Country Club.