It promises to be a weekend Saluki golfer Jennifer Prasse will never forget.

Prasse, a senior, is playing in the first tournament of her SIUC golfing career Sept. 24-25 at Northwestern University’s Wildcat Invitational in Evanston.

Prasse secured the sixth spot on SIUC’s tournament roster, shooting low scores in team qualifiers at Hickory Ridge Golf Course while facing tough competition from her teammates.

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Qualifying was competitive, said Stacy Skillman, fellow Saluki. She definitely earned her spot.

Inexperience led Prasse to redshirt her freshman season.

A medical redshirt her sophomore season delayed team play another year. Prasse developed Bell’s Palsy. The condition caused the nerves controlling the left side of her face to not function properly.

Prasse’s golf game was dramatically affected.

It was hard to play well because I couldn’t see, she said. I would try, but I couldn’t.

Medication and time were necessary for the affected nerves to regenerate.

Support from family members aided Prasse in handling frustration from the setback.

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I received a lot of help and support from my family, she said.

Her older sister Kim is a main source of Prasse’s determination.

I admire my sister and how she handled her college golf career, she said. She didn’t start off the greatest player, but she really contributed to the team. She persevered and really made a difference.

Prasse overcame these obstacles and is a force on SIUC’s squad.

Pre-tournament nervousness has been pushed aside by excitement, Prasse said.

I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am, she said.

Prasse said she expects the tournament to be difficult considering 10 of the 11 Big 10 schools are expected to compete.

There should be a lot of good competition and good scores, she said.

Women’s Golf Coach Diane Daugherty said the team feels good going into the tournament.

We’re going up there to shoot some good numbers, she said.

Molly Hudgins, Prasse’s teammate, said the Salukis are up to the challenge.

We know that we can compete with those teams, she said. We want to prove we are a force to be reckoned with.

Prasse said she is going to take full advantage of the experience.

This is my senior year, this is my first tournament, she said. It’s what I’ve been waiting for.