For the ASU women's golf team, the future is now.
Led by freshman phenom Louise Stahle, ASU hopes to contend for a national championship this season.
"She's a long hitter, a very intense player, and she is completely frustrated that she hasn't won a tournament yet," ASU coach Melissa Luellen said of Stahle, who finished second in each of her three fall tournaments. "She is really hungry for some individual victories, as well as leading her team to more team victories."
The Sun Devils were ranked as high as second nationally after the fall season, putting themselves in position for the stretch run. Luellen said her players didn't set goals for the spring season until they completed their fall schedule.
"I think a top-three finish would be a great season," Luellen said. "They are perfectly capable of doing that."
Freshman Brooke Todare has quickly adjusted to the college game. She competed in all but one tournament in the fall, posting a 78.89 scoring average. Luellen said Todare has increased her competitiveness since the fall season.
With a number of underclassmen vying for roster spots, Luellen is looking for leadership from her two returning seniors, Erin Tone and Nicole Deacon.
"They are quiet leaders," Luellen said. "But sometimes a quiet leader can be a very effective leader."
The key to ASU's success might be found in the Nos. 4 and 5 spots.
"They've really teamed well when one person has a poor round," Luellen said. "I think that our [Nos.] 4 and 5 players need to be scoring better consistently."
At the Hooters Collegiate Match Play Championship, the final match of the fall season, ASU was trounced by No. 1 Duke. Luellen said the loss was one of the best things that could have happened to her players.
"They hadn't really seen Duke face to face much this season, and Duke is the team to beat," Luellen said. "It motivated them and gave them a taste of how hard they need to work."
Even though Stahle might be having a standout season, Luellen said she's confident in her team's ability to play as a group.
"They know that they have to play together as a team to win," Luellen said. "That's what's given us success in the fall at each tournament."
Reach the reporter at mark.saxon@asu.edu.
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