BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State University women's golf team was picked to finish seventh in the annual 12-team NSIC Preseason Conference Coaches' Poll released on Wednesday.
 
Augustana, winners of 12 of the last 13 league championships, was picked to win the conference earning 121 points including 11 first-place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team). Winona State finished with 98 points (one first-place vote) to finish in second, while Wayne State was selected third with 95 points. Minnesota State earned 93 points for fourth place, followed by Concordia-St. Paul (80), Sioux Falls (74) and SMSU (62).
 
SMSU head coach Ross Webskowski—entering his 20th season—returns six letter winners on the 2023 roster, including three seniors, one junior, two sophomores and welcomes three freshmen to the team. SMSU finished sixth at the 13-team NSIC Championships last April.
 
"We have a strong veteran group that will lead our team this season," Webskowski said. "We have the talent, experience and leadership to be competitive in every tournament we play in. I am looking forward to seeing how this team comes together and grows through the season. It will be a fun year."
 
SMSU senior Lauryn Driscoll was named a NSIC 'Athlete to Watch' this season. Driscoll is the team's top returning letter winner after finishing third on the team last season with an 83.2 stroke average in 23 rounds. She recorded eight rounds of sub-80 last season and had two top 5, four top 10 and four top 20 finishes.
 
"Lauryn has so much passion for the game of golf. She works extremely hard on her game," Webskowski said. "Lauryn has lots of talent, knowledge for the game and competitive drive which puts her in position to be successful. I am looking forward to this season as I believe things will all come together for her and have a successful year."
 
Junior Danielle Podoll returns after ranking fourth on the squad a season ago with an 83.3 average in 18 rounds, while junior Ashley Trongard is back after averaging 84.2 last season in 21 rounds. Senior Jacqueline Gossen played in 23 rounds last season and finished sixth on the team with an 84.8 average. Sophomores Berkley Steffen and Meghan Pundsack both return after recording 89.2 and 94.1 stroke averages respectively a season ago.
 
During his 19 seasons as head coach, Webskowksi has led SMSU to a pair of NSIC championships and six NCAA region tournaments.
 
The Mustangs will compete in five events this fall including hosting the 25^th annual EverSpring Inn & Suites Mustang Invite on Sept. 30-Oct. 1 at the Marshall Golf Club.
 
SMSU opens the 2023 fall season next Monday and Tuesday at the Maverick Invite at Faribault Golf and Country Club.
 
The three-round NSIC Championship will take place next spring on April 26-28, 2024, at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, Mo.