The Illinois women's golf team will look to build on a successful 2002-03 campaign when they tee it up for the first time this season at the Badger Invitational in Verona, Wis., this weekend.

Hosted by the University of Wisconsin, the nine-team tournament will include seven Big Ten teams. The 54-hole tournament will give the Illini an opportunity to set the bar early in what looks to be a competitive conference.

"We're always competing with the same teams," said junior Lyndsey Milligan. "We want to get out there and show people that even though we had a lot of people graduate we're still going to be up there."

Out of the lineup this year is last year's leader Laurin Kanda. Fifth years Renata Young and Stephanie Chenney are still around to help the team, but both have seen their eligibility run out.

Despite losing several key contributors from a team that missed nationals by just one place and equaled a school record by winning three tournaments, the team is convinced that they can continue to compete with the beasts of the Big Ten.

"Last year was a pretty special year," head coach Paula Smith said. "You do lose five seniors and three that have been traveling all four years. That will have an impact, but I have a group that is very passionate about golf and I think we'll make some progress."

Along with Milligan, freshman phenom Meghan Naik joins the group and is getting glowing reviews from teammates. Sophomore Megan Godfrey will look to build on her freshman season where she played in several tournaments. Senior co-captains Michelle Carroll and Marla Cox will look to provide the backbone for the team.

"It's going to be a challenge to build on last year's success," said Carroll. "But we have a couple of very good freshmen. We definitely have a strong team with a lot of potential."

Perhaps the biggest threat at the tournament will prove to be Purdue, which finished 12th in the NCAA Championships last season. The Boilermakers are playing without departed senior Kari Damron. The Badgers return nine players from last year's roster including three that played in Wisconsin's 24th place finish in their first-ever trip to the NCAA Championships last year.

While others are promoting teams like the Badgers and Boilermakers, the Illini seem to be flying under the radar.

"I just think a lot of people have their doubts about us now," said Milligan. "But I really do have a lot of confidence in our team. Scores have been cut down. Girls are taking more leadership roles. We have a shot at this."