SANTA CLARA, Calif. - In its 2012 debut this weekend in Palo Alto, Santa Clara University's women's golf team will face its toughest competition of the season. The Broncos will tee it up Saturday and Sunday at Stanford's Peg Barnard Invitational against four Pac-12 teams ranked among the nation's top 50 along with league-rival San Francisco, among others.

After winning twice this fall, the Broncos are positioned to improve on their national ranking and break into the top 100. Second-year head coach Krystal Kelly has done a remarkable job recruiting and developing a roster that includes senior all-league honoree Tamara Surtees (pictured), accomplished junior transfer Balbina Guajardo and four underclassmen, including Taylor Camany, who will not play this weekend due to illness, but is expected to return to the lineup March 12 in Fresno.

Hard work has become a trademark under Kelly, whose team has been practicing early on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in preparation for the spring season.

"We now have two early morning practices, which has been a challenge for this team who historically has only practiced in the afternoons," said Kelly.  "I really think this schedule has been beneficial for everyone. They are more focused in the mornings, and I too am more productive. It's also good, because it will help them preparing for tournaments, getting up at 5:30 isn't easy, so the more they do it, the better prepared they will be."

The Broncos have been focusing on short-game improvement and course management. Kelly believes the key for this team is confidence. Additionally, the program has brought in a new strength and conditioning coach, Sherman Trigg. Extra cardio sessions have been added to help with the grueling 36-hole days this spring.

"This is the time of year where my players push themselves harder and make last minute swing changes before we get into the bulk of our season," said Kelly. "They have been working really hard and just need to trust it and focus on playing one shot at a time."

Peg Barnard Invitational
Dates (Site): Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 18-19, 2012 (Stanford, Calif.)
Host: Stanford University
Tournament Field (12 teams): Washington (14), California (17), Stanford (45), Oregon State (50), San Jose State (74), Fresno State (81), Furman (82), San Francisco (91), Santa Clara (126), Portland State (145), Hawaii (175), Rollins (N/A)
Details: A 36-hole event. 9:00 a.m. Saturday (shotgun); 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Teams will play 18 holes each day
Course: Stanford Golf Course
Yardage/Par: 6,100/71
Website: GolfCourse.Stanford.edu
Course Number/Address: 650-724-0944
198 Junipero Serra Blvd
Stanford, CA 94305
Results: GolfStat.com (Live Scoring)

*Rankings by GolfWeek.com