Hoosiers 'looking forward' to championship battle

Today, the women's golf team will be competing in the annual Big Ten Championship, which will take place in Minneapolis, Minn. The tournament will be at Les Boldtad Golf Course, which is close to 6,000 yards with a par of 72. Competition tees off 8 a.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. The champion is an automatic qualifier to NCAA Regional.\nThis is the most important tournament in which the team will participate during its successful spring season. \nThe Hoosiers said they are looking forward to the competition.\n"This is one of the things our team has been working for all season, and it is finally here," freshman Ambry Bishop said. Bishop will be competing in her first Big Ten Tournament Friday. \n"I can't wait to start playing this weekend, and hopefully win the tournament," she said.\nSenior Natalie Tucker said she has mixed emotions about the last tournament of her college career.\n"It's sad for me to think this is my last Big Ten Tournament," Tucker said. "I know I am beginning a new stage of my career, but I think anyone can attest that these are the best times of your life." Tucker also praised the field of competition this year. \n"It's exciting to compete in this tournament, especially with the caliber of players in the conference," Tucker said. "I think this is the strongest field the Big Ten has ever had. In past years only a few teams would compete for the win, but this year, Northwestern, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan, are all NCAA competitors and ranked. It's going to be very exciting and I'm looking forward to seeing how it unfolds." \nThe team enters the tournament ranked 28th according to the MasterCard Collegiate rankings. Last year, the Hoosiers finished fifth in the conference, a finish they said they want to improve upon this year.\nCoach Sam Carmichael reflected on his experiences with previous teams. \n"Returning to Bloomington with the Big Ten Championship is very special," Carmichael said. "The Big Ten is our major and to win is to accomplish everything we have worked for all year. It gives you a feeling of a job well done." \nRedshirt freshman Danah Ford will be participating in her first Big Ten tournament and said she is eager to compete. \n"I am excited for this tournament," Ford said. "This is what we have been waiting for." \nFord said that while she has never participated in this event, she has played the course, describing it as challenging but scoreable. She said she feels it will help the team benefit greatly from playing there.\nCarmichael said the week of preparation leading up to this important tournament is no different than any other week of season. \n"We don't do anything special to prepare for the Big Ten," Carmichael said. "Our practices are on improving the short game, and continue working on the fundamentals of the golf swing, which varies from player to player."\nBishop said the team is enthusiastic about competing. \n"My No. 1goal is for the team to win, but I also want to have low putting rounds and stay positive throughout the tournament" Bishop said. \nTucker said the team has the talent to compete in the tournament.\n"Our team this year has outstanding talent and players," Tucker said. "All the girls are capable of shooting low numbers. We are a deep team, and as long as everyone plays to their ability it should definitely be an exciting and competitive week."\nCarmichael said he agreed.\n"They have worked hard all year, and I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching this group of girls, as they are self-motivated, dedicated and willing to learn," Carmichael said. "They have made it fun for me with their desire"