URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois women’s golf is getting ready for its NCAA regional.

The Illini leave Saturday to travel to Columbus, Ohio. Illinois is the eight seed, out of 13 teams, in the regional hosted by Ohio State. Play in Ohio goes from May 5-7.

The team is fine tuning putting and short-game skills ahead of the national tournament. Players and coaches believe a supportive environment fosters results.

“We’re a team with a lot of diverse perspectives and I think what’s been special about this team is we really all take that extra step to get to know one another,” Illinois senior Lexanne Halama said.

Head coach Renee Slone says the team has grown a significant amount since the fall.

“There’s a stronger belief,” Slone said. “Belief in their abilities, what they’re capable of and just a stronger presence about them- just overall mentally stronger.”

The top five teams, plus the top finishing individual from a non-advancing team, will move on to NCAA Championships in California May 16-21.