Both of the Otterbein golf teams are on a straight shot to nationals.
Last weekend, the women won their third consecutive OAC Championship, giving them an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championships, and the men will get their chance this weekend.
The men have had a few bumps in the road this season and have come up short more than once.
The final count to determine the regular season champions was disappointing for the team, as they lost by one stroke to John Carroll.
"We all feel that if we play up to our potential, we are easily the best team in the OAC," sophomore Brock Neighbors said. "I think we will all be nervous at the start of the first round because it is so important, but we will get over those early jitters and will be fine."
Losing in two different tournaments by one stroke this season has provided some inspiration for the team.
"We are practicing on eliminating the dumb mistakes and making sure we don't throw away any shots because we realize how important every shot is," freshman Cody MacLean said. "This weekend means everything, and we all know it. If we all play to our potential and avoid big numbers there is no reason why we shouldn't win this golf tournament."
The goal of the season was to make it to the national championships, and despite the season's disappointments, they can still reach it.
"We do that by winning the OACs," Neighbors said. "I went to the national championships last year as a freshman, and it was an experience I never want to miss out on."
The women, having reached the championships for the third straight season, have high expectations.
"I think the excitement of knowing we're coming back is going to help us because we've got experience," junior Kelsey Tosca said. "It's a huge reputation to live up to, but our team has faced the odds before and we can do it again."
As for the tournament, the team is preparing just as it would for any other match.
"We are really going to push the limits of our mental game and our skills because the best of the best will be there," Tosca said. "Each practice, we'll have to focus on everything and make sure nothing is overlooked. It's all about being comfortable."
The Lady Cardinals placed all five of their golfers in the top ten during the OAC Championships, winning the tournament and receiving an automatic bid to nationals.
The men will take the course tomorrow looking for similar success.
The tournament is scheduled for tomorrow and Saturday at the Tannenhauf Golf Club in Alliance, Ohio.
If the men advance they will compete May 11-14 for the NCAA Championships at Hershey Links and Hershey Country Club in Hershey, Pa. t&c;
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