SIOUX FALLS -- The University of Sioux Falls Women's Golf Team, led by NSIC Preseason Player of the Year Lexi Hanson, will continue their season at the Diffee Ford Lincoln Invitational at the Kickingbird Golf Course on March 8-9 in Edmond, Okla. USF will be among  15 teams who will play two rounds (36 holes) across two days on the 6,700 yard course. 

The Cougars, directed by Head Coach Tavia Rutherford, will be led by NSIC Preseason Player of the Year Lexi Hanson, who is ranked 11th in the Golf Stat Central Region rankings. 

Hanson, who has qualified for two NCAA DII Regional tournaments and earned All-NSIC honors twice, has already had a strong opening to the new season. She finished tied for 12th at USF's first tournament of the season, the Natural State Golf Classic on March 1-2, and led the Cougars to an 11th place team finish. Hanson opened the season with a two-round total of 152 (78-74). In Cabot, Ark., she had four birdies (holes 2, 3, 8, 17) and nine pars, and followed a 78 on day one with a 74 with a two-over 38 on the front nine and ended with an even round total of 36. Hanson finished with five birdies and 19 pars during the two-day tournament.

Seniors Sydney Hubbard, Kyleigh Moran, and Lexi Jonas opened the season by placing 32nd, 66th, and 68th respectively at the Natural State Golf Classic. Hubbard finished 15-over with her 159 (81-78) and totaled 20 par holes. Moran tied for 66th with a two-round score of 172 (82-90) and 13 pars. Jonas tied for 68th at 174 (87-87) with 12 pars and two birdies. Playing as an individual, junior Marisa Weeks finished 41st in her first tournament at USF. She finished with a 163 (85-78) and 13 pars. Sophomore Annie Balduzzi tied for 72nd at 175 (87-88) and finished with 10 pars and two birdies. 
 
The 2021 squad returned its entire starting lineup and, after a successful opening tournament, are looking forward to a strong season. Following the Diffee Ford Lincoln Invitations, the Cougars will compete next at the Hillcat Classic at the Bailey Ranch Golf Club in Owasso, OK on March 15-16.