If the summer accomplishments of Amy Schmucker and Laura Olin are any indication, the Michigan women's golf team has a lot to be excited about this year.

Fresh off an appearance in the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship in Gladwyne, Penn., in August, Schmucker, a sophomore from Cold Springs, Minn., is feeling more confident than ever after shooting 76 in back-to-back rounds and qualifying for match-play.

"The Amateur was a great experience for me," Schmucker said. "I was exposed to high-pressure situations, and now I know I can play with the best."

Olin's offseason feats were no less notable. The junior played in the North/South Tournament at Pinehurst Country Club in North Carolina and the Women's Western Amateur in Champaign advancing to match-play each time.

Olin believes the experience she has gained recently has made her "mentally tougher," she said. "If my round goes bad, I can still keep myself focused."

Perhaps the most promising development, however, is the addition of two extremely talented freshmen: Brianna Broderick (Richmond, Mo.) and Ali Stinson (Penticton, British Columbia).

"This is the best freshman class since I've been here," Olin said without hesitation.

Michigan coach Kathy Teichert agreed: "I am expecting (Broderick and Stinson) to be contributing members of the team each week. Both have the ability to shoot low (scores)."

Teichert believes there is a lot to like about this year's squad.

"This team has all the qualities, characteristics and abilities to be one of the best we've ever had here at Michigan," Teichert said. "The team chemistry is great - all the players get along very well. They are dedicated workers, who want to compete at the highest level for themselves and for Michigan."

With the improvement of the team comes increased leadership responsibilities for Olin and Schmucker.

"I learned a lot from last year's team," Olin said. "This year I'm more prepared (for the captain's role)." Olin also feels more comfortable as an intermediary between Teichert and the rest of her teammates.

"I can go to coach and tell her how the team is feeling," she said.

"Last year, I just went with the flow," Schmucker said. "Now I have to step up and lead by example and get people motivated and focused."

The women's team begins play this weekend in East Lansing at the Mary Fossum Invitational. Teichert says the girls are ready to go.

"We need to get out and compete ... everybody is excited about what will happen this weekend," Teichert said. "For the new kids, there will be nerves, but hopefully that will dissipate as the tournament goes on."

Broderick, Olin, Schmucker and Stinson will occupy the top four spots this weekend.

Players and coach alike are aiming to best last year's sixth-place finish at the Big Ten Championships.

"Our main goal is to get to the (regional round) of the NCAAs," Olin said. "There is no reason why we shouldn't do better than last year."

Teichert cannot help but feel the same way.

"We're a better team this year, and we expect to go to Regionals," Teichert said. "Another goal is to be ranked in the national top 20. Our team is going to be a pretty good team."