Despite setting a school record for its best aggregate team score, the golf team still finished in last place at last season's University Athletic Association Championships. With every key contributor returning this season, the Judges hope they can escape the cellar.

"We are as talented as all the teams in our division," Aaron Hattenbach '09 said.

"The problem is consistency and getting our whole team to shoot in the 70s. One or two guys [each week] isn't going to get us a championship."

Two seniors, Jeff Stein '08 and Alex Botwick '08, as well as three juniors, Hattenbach, Alex Podell '09 and Ralph Harary '09, comprise an experienced starting lineup.

Stein led the squad with a score of 13 over par at the UAA Championships, and Hattenbach, who led the team in scoring average during the 2006 fall season, is looking to rebound after struggling with mononucleosis early in the spring.

Captain Dan Shani '08 also returns after a semester abroad to provide depth.

"[Our depth] will keep things competitive within our team, and there's no guarantee of certain players playing every match," Hattenbach said.

The Judges begin the season at the Bowdoin College invitational Sept. 8 at noon.