The drive for seven begins.

La Verne golf's impressive streak of six consecutive conferences championships has been orchestrated by Rex Huigens, Joe Skovron and Eric Riehle. First-year head coach Chris Davis now will lead the Leopards in hopes of yet another SCIAC crown.

The Leopard squad opens its spring campaign this weekend at the SCIAC #1 at Empire Lakes.  Though the conference is as deep as ever, Davis believes his team has the necessary components to challenge for yet another crown.

"We're very excited to welcome back almost everyone from last year's conference championship squad," said Davis.  "Our players have all gained valuable tournament experience over the summer and during the fall.  We're a very young team so the experience gained over the past year will help us compete at a high level both at the conference and national level."

Leading the way for the Leopards is senior Derek Zachman, who earned both SCIAC Player of the Year and All-America honors in 2012.  Zachman joined selective company as he was also one of 24 players from Division I, II, III, NAIA and NJCAA to earn selection on the 2012 All-Nicklaus Team.

"Derek's game has continued to progress after a tremendous junior season.  We expect another outstanding run from him in his last year of college golf leading into the professional ranks."

Also returning is a formidable trio of sophomores which include Trent Twamley, Andre Bedard and Kelby Scharmann.  Twamley concluded his freshman campaign tying for 22nd overall among individuals at the NCAA Championships to notch All-America honors.  Bedard was named Second Team All-SCIAC last season while Davis believes Scharmann may be the most consistent of the sophomore group.

Also returning to the fold is junior Keven Holliday, who was a member of the 2010 SCIAC Championship squad as a freshman.

"We are excited to have Keven back with the Leopard squad.  He should consistently be one of our top five players throughout the season and he provides an added dimension to the group."

To make a seventh conference crown reality, the Leopards will have to navigate through arguably the toughest conference in Division III.  Redlands and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps enjoyed Top 10 finishes at last year's NCAA Championships and will look to seize league supremacy from the Leopards.  Additionally, Cal Lutheran enjoyed a strong fall season and will also vie for a conference title this spring.

"The level of competition within the SCIAC is as stern as ever," Davis said.   "But we look as it as an opportunity to test our game week in and week out against some of the best competition the nation has to offer."