The University of Hawai'i women's golf team continues its spring season by travelling to Phoenix, Ariz., for the Grand Canyon Invitational, Saturday, Feb. 23 and Sunday, Feb. 24 at the GCU Golf Course.
 
Hosted by Grand Canyon University, the sixth-year tournament will feature a 19-team field, including all four previous team champions. Portland State is the tournament's two-time defending champion along with North Dakota State (2016), UC Riverside (2015), and Northern Arizona (2014).
 
Also participating are California Baptist, CSU Bakersfield, CSUN, Creighton, Eastern Washington, Lamar, McNeese State, Montana State, Northern Colorado, Seattle, South Dakota State, Southern Toledo, and Utah.
 
"We are looking forward to heading to Arizona to compete in the GCU Invitational this weekend," Bidne said. "Both myself and Emma (Lower) have played the course several times, so our knowledge of the tree lined course should help our preparation. The weather is projected to be unusually cold during the event, with highs reaching the low 50s. This shouldn'' have an effect on us though, as it will be similar weather conditions as our last event in Riverside."  
 
Participants will play 54 holes on the 6,110-yard, par-72 course.
 
UH will be making its first appearance in the tournament. Two weeks ago, the Rainbow Wahine opened their spring season by placing fourth in the Battle at the Rock in Riverside, Calif.
 
"We had a great week back home at practice, and were able to hone in our wedges and short game, which will both be essential to our success this weekend," Bidne added. "All five of the players are hitting the ball extremely well right now, so I'm anxious to get out there and have a successful weekend."
 
Making up the Hawai'i contingent is senior Kaci Masuda, junior Megan Ratcliffe, sophomores Sahara Washington and Emma Lower and freshman Haruka Shintani. Lower will be making her 2018-19 debut after missing the fall season due to injury. In six tournaments played this season, Washington leads the team with a 75.9 scoring average followed by Masuda (76.1) and Ratcliffe (76.3)
 
UH will next host consecutive tournaments – the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, March 12-13 at the Kāne'ohe Klipper Golf Course on O'ahu and the Ānuenue Spring Break Classic, March 21-23 in Waikoloa, Hawai'i.
 
Tournament #6
What: Grand Canyon Invitational
When: Feb. 23-24, 2019
Where: GCU Golf Course; Phoenix, Ariz.
Yardage (Par): 6,110 (72)
Format: 54 holes (36 on Saturday, 18 on Sunday); 5-score-4
Live Scoring: www.golfstat.com
Host: Grand Canyon
Field (19 teams):  California Baptist, CSU Bakersfield, CSUN, Creighton, Eastern Washington, Grand Canyon, Hawai'i, Lamar, McNeese State, Montana State, North Dakota State, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, Portland State, Seattle, South Dakota State, Southern Toledo, UC Riverside, Utah