At long last, debut at hand for USCB women's golf team

It’s almost as if the USC Beaufort women’s golf team is about to walk into the classroom on the first day of school and get hit with a pop quiz.

“Our approach to this one is a little different,” USCB coach Shane LeBaron said. “It’s a test, but it’s a test that hasn’t been studied for, so to speak, because they haven’t been in this position before. They don’t have anything to draw from to prepare for the experience they’re about to have.”

After a one-year delay, the Sand Sharks finally make their women’s golf debut today and Tuesday at the Pfeiffer University Lady Falcon Invitational in New London, N.C. All of USCB’s top five players — Brittany Cheek, Jennifer Morgan, Sophie Henke, Adriana Saavedra and Cande Villar — will make their collegiate golf debut in the event after earning starting spots through two rounds of qualifying at Island West and Belfair Golf Club on Thursday and Friday.

“They’re going to be nervous,” LeBaron said. “They’re going to feel the heat and feel the pressure. It’s going to be great to see how they react and how they handle it. ... We’re looking for small victories. if we can start racking up some small victories, at the end of the year we might be able to do something really good.”

What: Lady Falcon Invitational

When: Today and Tuesday (18 holes each day)

Where: Old North State Club in New London, N.C.

Notes: USCB coach Shane LeBaron didn’t have a complete list of teams competing in the event, but he said host Pfeiffer University and Carson-Newman will be among a field that is made up mostly of NCAA Division II teams. ... In addition to the debut of all five USCB players, the event also will be the first collegiate golf event for assistant coach Chris Cuneo, who will accompany LeBaron and the players on the trip.