After opening with a dual victory Tuesday, the ISU women’s golf team faces a 10-team competition in its first-ever visit to the Embassy Suites/Tyson Invitational in Rogers, Ark., this weekend.

The tournament starts Sunday at the Pinnacle Country Club.

Head coach Julie Manning said the Cyclones have a new opportunity for success at the event, as this is the first year the Cyclones have been in the tournament.

“Of the nine teams competing, some of the good teams to worry about will be Texas A&M, Arkansas and Nebraska,” she said.

Manning said Iowa State faces a tough meet competing without Louise Kenney, who is returning to Scotland to compete for the Scottish National team. Other golfers will have to take Kenney’s place in the lineup.

“It’s going to be tough going in there without Louise with us,” Manning said.

“It also really gives some other kids a chance to step up and prove their worth.”

Manning said she expects junior Lisa Meshke, junior Cindy Whitmore and senior Leanne Owens to better their play. She also said she wants junior Claire Stephanson to continue improving, after coming off a good tournament at the Big Three Championship Tuesday.

The Embassy Suites/Tyson Invitational will be a three-day event, instead of the regular two-day tournament style.

Meshke said she likes the three-day format.

“I’m really excited because we’re playing the 18-18-18 format, as opposed to the 36 holes one day and 18 the next,” she said. “I’ve had back problems, so it’s more difficult on the body to go 36-18.”

Meshke also said she believes her teammates can benefit from this style.

“It’s a lot better for the team because if someone is just having a bad day, it only affects 18 holes instead of 36 holes,” she said.

Manning also said she likes the three-day format.

“With three days, it gives us more time to relax and reflect on our play,” Manning said.

“I think it will be a relaxed atmosphere, and if we start off well, we have a legitimate chance at [winning].”

Meshke agreed.

“I think that we are good enough to beat these teams and if we play together,” she said. “We’ll be in great shape.”