The ISU women’s golf team opens up the spring season this weekend when it takes on a loaded field in the Lady Puerto Rico Classic in Rio Grande.

Out of the 16 teams competing, five are ranked in the top 30 in the Golfweek collegiate rankings – including Georgia, the top team in the country. Currently, Iowa State is ranked 79.

“If you look at the rankings we are underdogs, but we don’t look at it like that – we never have and never will,” said junior Karly Pinder. “We feel we have the ability to play with anyone, and we plan on making a strong showing this weekend.”

Kendra Hanson, also entering her junior spring season, wouldn’t have it any other way. Hanson said when the team plays the best competition, it brings out the best in them.

“We like going up against the best teams in the country,” Hanson said. “We like to give them our best shot and see how we stack up against them.”

The team left for Puerto Rico early Tuesday morning to give them a couple of days to prepare and the chance to get practice rounds in before play begins – something Pinder said he’s thankful for.

“The best way to get in the groove in the spring season is by getting rounds played on grass,” she said. “Hitting balls is great, but we’re all excited to get going in tournaments and getting to play full rounds.”

The team aims to build off the experience gained last fall. Competition was stiff then, as well. Their best finish was in the Edwin Watts/Palmetto Intercollegiate Tournament, where they finished seventh out of 19 teams.

“Our girls keep getting better and better. The results will come just as long as they play like I know they can,” said assistant coach Rhyll Brinsmead. “We have the same lineup as last fall, and with the experience they gained along with the hard work in the off-season, we have the tools to have a strong spring season.”

The opportunity is now, and the players are ready.

“I can’t wait to get out there,” Pinder said. “This is what we live for. We’re anxious to play, and we’re anxious to play the best teams. We get to do both this weekend.”