Perspective and optimism are the two keys to success for the women’s golf team as they gear up for  the CCIW Championships, said captain Kaitlyn Czerwonka and junior Caitlin Doherty.
This is the team’s last tournament, running Oct. 2 through 4 in Bloomington, Ill.
“Perspective is all about looking at situations from different points of view and taking one hole at a time,” said  Czerwonka. “Our coach says we need to focus on every shot, and even if a certain hole wasn’t our best shot, we need to move on and think new hole, new perspective.”
But using perspective doesn’t come without the use of optimism, which is the other key factor for the women, said Doherty.
“We try to keep optimistic through our rounds,” said Doherty.  “No matter who you are playing with, you need to keep a good attitude about it. You never know when you could have the round of your life.”
This last tournament will be one that is familiar, as well.
Perspective and optimism are their two modes of attack, but Doherty said the team is also relieved to have played the course before.
“We’ve had two days to look at the course,” said Doherty. “We have all made mental notes, which is the most important.”
The CCIW Championships are also similar to the team’s past tournaments.
“We still have to have stamina and endurance like all of our other tournaments,” said Czerwonka “And we have played with the girls that will be there. We know who is out there; so, we can play to their weaknesses.”
However, coach Tom Lawrence realizes this final tournament will not be an easy win for the team.
“We have an uphill battle ahead of us,” said Lawrence. “If we all play the golf we are capable of playing, we can finish in the top half of the conference.”