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The University of Tennessee women's golf team sported new baby blue outfits during its practice round Thursday for the Mercedes-Benz Women's Collegiate Championships.

When the three-day tournament begins today at Fox Den Country Club, the Lady Vols would love to be in red, at least on the scoreboard.

"We have good players, but they have to step up," said Lady Vols coach Judi Pavon, whose team finished in sixth place in last year's tournament. "We have the potential to be good, but we haven't played at that level."

Besides new uniforms featuring the Lady Vols' secondary color, the team also has some new faces.

Marci Turner finished her eligibility, while Angela Oh turned pro.

Also, senior Nicole Smith will be out all fall trying to heal a shoulder that bothered her last year, and Diana Cantu is missing this week while representing her home country of Mexico in the World Amateur in <0x00C5>ustralia.

The No. 1 player for the Lady Vols when they tee off at 9:45 a.m. today will be freshman Nathalie Mansson from Sweden. Still trying to adjust to Tennessee culture after only a few weeks in the United States, she has quickly learned the expectations.

"Our team goal is the top five or better this week," she said.

Ginny Brown, the No. 2 player for UT, also hopes the team can do well this week and during the entire fall and spring seasons.

"We have all set specific individual goals and hopefully this will add up to great team scores and finishes," said the Austin, Texas, resident, adding that she practiced hard on simplifying her game over the summer.

Rounding out the team this week will be Belmont College transfer and sophomore Lauren Spurlock, sophomore Rebecca Watson from Scotland, and redshirt freshman Emily Sills from Bearden High School.

"On paper we shouldn't have a good feeling, but I have a sneaky feeling they will play well," said Pavon.

Vying with Tennessee will be 17 other teams, including Denver, ranked No. 9 by Golfweek magazine and featuring the No. 2-ranked collegian in the country, Stephanie Sherlock.

Also participating are Arkansas, Central Florida, Chattanooga, Furman, Indiana State, Kent State, Kentucky, LSU, Louisville, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina, SMU, Texas A&M and Tulane.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.