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CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Oregon State women’s golf team opens its 2013-14 campaign in foreign land -- literally -- when the Beavers compete against the University of Washington and two Japanese teams Tuesday through Thursday at the Topy Cup in Tanagura, Japan.
COURSE: The United States-Japan Intercollegiate Golf Championship will be held at the Tanagura Country Club.
FORMAT: Three-day, 54-hole tournament with 18 holes each day. The top-four individuals from each five-member team with the lowest scores for each 18-hole round constitute the scoring members for that given round.
TEE TIMES: The first two rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday will begin at 8 a.m. JST with the final round slated for 7 a.m. JST (Japanese Time is 16 hours ahead of Pacific Time).
FIELD (4): Oregon State, Washington, Tohoku Fukushi University and Doshisha University. Each Oregon State golfer will be paired with two Japanese golfers each round.
BEAVERS’ LINEUP: Head coach Risë Alexander and assistant coach Kailin Downs will go with a lineup of seniors Lauren Sewell and Seshia Telles, junior Anica Yoo and sophomores Ashlee Pickerell and Chelsea Saelee. The five combined to play 38 out of a possible 40 tournaments for the Beavers last spring.
QUOTING HEAD COACH RISË ALEXANDER:
What are your thoughts about opening the season in Japan in the Topy Cup?
“We are honored to have been selected to play in the Topy Cup and represent our country and the Pac-12 Conference in this event. The team is excited to meet and compete with the Japanese teams as well as compete against a very competitive Washington team in Japan. This should be an incredible experience for our players both on the course and as a cultural experience.”
What goals/expectations do you have for the team this season?
“Having our starting five from last spring returning, and the two new freshmen adding considerable depth to our roster, we have some elevated goals this year. This team has the capability to perform at a very high level. It will be up to them and the coaching staff to take advantage of their talent and experience this season.”
Is it hard to believe Seshia and Lauren will be seniors? What are your best memories about each of them?
“It is hard to believe they are seniors. They will be the core of this season’s performance. Lauren's awesome performance at Stanford last season stands out as a great memory. And Seshia has had so many great moments, but I would say that her ability to bounce back and fight for her score and her team stands out on so many occasions. They both are outstanding people and are dedicated student-athletes.”
Can you give a couple sentences on all nine players on your roster and what you expect from each this season?
Seshia Telles: “We anticipate Seshia  will have record-breaking season. She is a fighter and will lead the team in her final season. Her competitive spirit is a huge attribute and sets an example for her teammates.”
Lauren Sewell: “Consistent play and leadership will be her strong suit for Lauren’s final season. She has the talent and experience to have an outstanding year. Coming off a good summer of golf, Lauren is poised for a great year.”
Chelsea Saelee: “Chelsea is coming off an up and down freshman year. However, her 20th place finish at Pac-12's to finish last season will set the tone for a successful sophomore year.”
Anica Yoo: “Anica has been working diligently in the offseason on her game. She is poised to contribute immensely to this year’s team. Her attitude and commitment are infectious in a very positive way.” Ashlee Pickerell: “Ashlee has had a very good summer competitively. She has put a great deal of time into her game in the offseason and that dedication will show itself in competition this season.”
Lauren Fischer: “Lauren has also been working hard this past summer and is also going through an equipment change, which should give her added confidence and improved performance.”
Melissa Gibbons: “Melissa is beginning her senior season and provides depth and support to this team. She is a competitive athlete that is just finding her true potential in our sport.”
Jesse Hamilton: “Jesse is a freshman but is an experienced international player and will add considerable depth to our roster this season. We anticipate she will contend for a starting spot.”
Krissy Peterson: “A freshman, Krissy joins us as another Northwest player with a great deal of experience and potential. We are looking forward to watching her progress through the season and gain some collegiate experience.”
FOLLOW THE BEAVERS: Fans can follow the Oregon State women’s golf team on Twitter and Facebook.