After not being able to compete in the opening tournament of the season, sophomore Maria Torres is ready to begin her second year for the women’s golf team as it prepares for the Tar Heel Invitational in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Torres is coming off a freshman campaign in which she was named to the 2014 Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team.
She was also named the SEC Freshman of the Week following her performance at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
She combined for five top-25 finishes and two top-10 finishes, which were both second on the team.
Even though Torres collected several accolades in her first season, she worked over the summer to improve all aspects of her game.
"I was working with my swing coach and working with all of my team back home, working on every aspect, so I can get better and my mental aspect and trying to be physically ready for everything," Torres said.
The Puerto Rico native competed at the World Amateur Team Championships held in Karuizawa, Japan.
Torres, along with junior Ursa Orehek and sophomore Karolina Vlckova, were three players from the team who competed in Japan.
Torres was the best player among the group, finishing at 3-over-par in the tournament. The experience of competing with players from around the world is something Torres was excited about.
"It’s amazing, you representing your country is a great thing, it’s a good feeling," Torres said. "All the best players in the world are competing and it makes you feel good, in a sense that you’re part of that tournament."
Not being able to compete at the Cougar Classic was hard for Torres as she wasn’t able to lend a helping hand for the team, but she’s looking forward to helping out the team as they head to UNC.
Torres competed at the Finley Golf Course last season, where she finished at 5-over-par. Torres sat at 2-over-par after the first day, but was able to shoot and even-par, 72 in the second round. On the final day, she shot 3-over and finished the tournament in a tie for 32nd place, with teammate Karolina Vlckova.
Having already played at the Finley Golf Course last year, gives Torres the experience she needs to face the challenges the course brings.
"It’s a little bit long and you have to be really focused," Torres said. "As soon as you get on that course you have to know where you want the ball to end on the greens and you have to be positive."
Torres’ personal goals this season are simple. She wants to become a better player and improve her scores from last season. She’ll get her first chance when the team heads to North Carolina.
"I want to improve my scoring average and I want to be consistent on it," Torres said. "Last year I had a good year, and I want to have a great year, better performances and trying to do the best."
Follow Luis Torres on Twitter @LFTORRESIII
Maria Torres hits the ball during the SunTrust Gator Women's Golf Invitational on March 15.
