Looking to pick up where it left off last spring, the NIU women’s golf team begins its season Saturday and Sunday in the 18-team University of Notre Dame Lady Irish Invitational.

NIU closed its spring 1988-89 season by winning the University of Illinois Illini Classic behind the third-place individual 157 score of then-freshman Nicole Jeray. Not only is Jeray (NIU’s number two golfer last season) back in action this fall but so is Sharon Humphrey of Kokomo, Ind., and number four player Mishelle Reed.

“Everyone including the two freshmen, are looking good in the first week of practices,” said Huskie coach Pam Tyska. “All seem to be making the adjustment from playing shorter courses in the summer to playing the longer college course.”

NIU goes against teams from the Big Ten, Mid-American, Big Eight and Gateway Conferences at Notre Dame’s Burke Memorial Golf Course. Western Kentucky is the defending meet champion. Saturday’s tee-off is set for noon with play in the 36-hole tournament resuming Sunday at 8 a.m.

“I think we have a good chance at finishing well, especially with the wide-open course at Notre Dame,” Tyska said.

On Oct. 13-14, the Huskies will play host for the NIU Huskie Classic being held at Kishwaukee Country Club starting at 8 a.m.