"The Ivy League golf championship is not for the weak at heart," said Penn men's coach Rob Powelson.
For Penn and its Ivy League foes, postseason play depends solely on who wins the Ivy League championship tournament, which will be held tomorrow and Sunday in Galloway, N.J.
And the men's side is up for the challenge, boasting an experienced squad.
Senior captain Sean Barrett will be competing in his fourth Ivy League championship tournament and is coming off two straight All-Ivy League years. Juniors Dean Merrill and Nick Ryder and sophomore Michael Blodgett also have experience, while lone freshman Chance Pipitone will get his first taste of what the championship is all about.
Barrett believes he and the rest of his group have the mentality and willpower that is needed to come out on top - even against the traditional powerhouses.
"The tournament is definitely won before we get to that golf course and whoever worked harder will come out on top," he said. "Our confidence has been there, our practice has been there, and I think we will reap the benefits."
The women's team is also excited for the opportunity, but its scenario is a little different.
The five-woman roster will hold three freshmen - Lisette Vitter, Catherine Elliot and Meredith Kotowski. Senior captain Stephanie Stamas will be turning her card in at Ivies for the fourth time and junior Meg Bender will make her third appearance.
Coach Francis Vaughn is not worried about his team's youth and thinks their talent will prevail.
"I think the ladies are excited to have the opportunity to play," he said. "This is probably the best team we have ever sent as far as the talent level."
One of those talented freshman, Vitter, is excited and ready for the opportunity.
"I think if all of us play to our potential we can win it. Keeping our concentration all the way throughout the first day and then continuing it through the second day is very important."
The team has been working this past week on their focus and squaring up minor details.
That will come in handy at Galloway National, which comes in at a hefty 6,901 yards, and Trenton Country Club where the women will play - no slouch either.
"We put extra stuff to make our bags heavier this week in practice, trying to simulate the 36-hole days," Vitter said.
When it comes down to it, the teams are there for one reason.
"I'm not taking the Penn Quakers down there to finish second," said Powelson.
