Even before reaching the course for their first meet of the season, UCSD Assistant Coach Keith Okasaki says the Tritons look dangerous in the 2012 season.

“I think this is the best team that we’ve been able to put together since [2007] at least. Or maybe even since we’ve entered Division II,” Okasaki said.

Last season, a young Triton squad without any upperclassmen made the program’s first appearance at the national level in five seasons. All five players appearing in the 2011 Regional Final are back on the roster for UCSD.

According to Okasaki, sophomore Jay Lim will play in the No. 1 spot, followed by junior Lewis Simon, sophomore Jacob Smith, freshman Clayton Yamaguchi and sophomore Marc Herman.

“We should do well at Chico,” Okasaki said. “There’s going to be a lot of good competition, but we’ve looked good during practice. And our freshman this year, [Yamaguchi] has played particularly well recently.”

The Tritons are scheduled to tee off today at the Corning Golf Course. Play will extend into tomorrow.