The South Dakota State women's golf team rewrote the school's Division I record book last season. They also finished in second place at The Summit League Championship, and the Jackrabbit women have six players back from last year's squad.

The women had 12 individual top-25 finishes and three individual top-10 finishes. They posted the lowest 18- (303), 36- (614) and 54-hole (935) scores during the Xavier International at LPGA International on Oct. 9-11. In 10 events, the Jackrabbits posted a scoring average of 319.13, more than four shots better than the previous years single-season school record of 323.68.

"The women have the potential to have their best year ever," said head coach Jared Baszler. "We set a lot of records last year."

Morgan Fitts picked up right where she left off in high school, carding an 80.86 average in 29 rounds. Her best finish was 13th at The Summit League Championship, where she shot a 240 (83-78-79).

"Morgan Fitts is a sophomore, and there's always a big jump in golf between freshmen and sophomores," Baszler noted. "She was able to come in right away as a freshman and contribute to our team's success."

SDSU added Rachel Hanigan, a junior transfer from Nebraska, to the spring 2010 roster. Hanigan compiled a scoring average of 80.50 in 14 rounds. She had a career-best finish of fifth place at The Summit League Championships, shooting a 235 (76-80-79).

"Rachel Hanigan finished fifth at the conference tournament, said Baszler. "She just has to be a bit more consistent. She had a lot of really good rounds.

"She can be one of the better players in the conference; she has the ability to do it."

Brittany Hanten carded an 80.37 scoring average in 29 rounds. She finished in fourth place, the highest individual finish of the season, at the Creighton Classic shooting a 161 (81-80).

"Brittany Hanten had a great spring season last year and really improved," said Baszler.

Rebecca Swords compiled a scoring average of 81.86 in 29 rounds. She had a season best finish of 15th at the Creighton Classic shooting a 168 (83-85).

Whitney Schrader, who has played 72 career rounds, posted a scoring average of 84.21 in 23 rounds last season. She competed as an individual at the Creighton Classic and finished in a tie for 22nd place, her best finish of the season, shooting a 176 (87-89).

Senior Abby Feehan competed in three events, posting an 87.55 scoring average in nine rounds.

The Jackrabbit women also add freshman Katie Purcell from Ames, Iowa. Purcell won back-to- back state championships as a junior and senior in high school.

With so many returning golfers, the Jackrabbit women have high expectations and goals.

"One of the small goals this year is to win a golf tournament as a team. We've got the ability to do it. We've just got to get it done," said Baszler.

In regards to the conference, Baszler said, "I expect us to be in the top two or three for sure after it's all said and done."

The Jacks scheduled five events for the fall and five for the spring, including the annual Dakota Cup.

The SDSU men's and women's golf teams are hosting the Jackrabbit Invitational in Primm, Nev. March 14 and 15. The women are playing the 6,022- yard, par-72 Lakes Course.