EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The 2009-10 women's golf team took third in the nation a season ago and with the team almost the same, the Blugolds will look to repeat or improve this year.

The Blugolds have no newcomers to this year's team and return nine of the team's 10 players from a season ago. Four returners were part of the group that helped the Blugolds take third at the 2010 NCAA Division III Championship.

Among the returners is Catherine Wagner (So.-Austin, Minn.), who was named the NGCA Division III Freshman of the Year last season, while also being named a first team NGCA Division III All-American. She was second on the team after averaging 80 strokes per round.

Also back is Katie Maurer (Jr.-Forest Lake, Minn./Convent of the Visitation), who helped the Blugolds to a WIAC title last year after finishing with medalist honors at the championship. She averaged a team-best 79.5 strokes per round and was also named a first team NGCA Division III All-American.

The other players who are back after competing on last year's national's team are Emily Swift (Jr.-Onalaska, Wis.) and Lauren Gault (Jr.-Shorewood, Wis.). Swift finished third on the squad last year with an 82.5 stroke per round average while Gault tied for fourth with 83.3 strokes per round.

The Blugolds kick off the season this weekend hosting the Doug Georgianni Memorial Invite. Action will take place Saturday and Sunday at Wild Ridge Golf Course in Eau Claire.