Central improves on second day of Luther women’s golf tourney

DIKE—Central College improved its score but not its standing and closed in fifth place at the Luther Norse Classic women’s golf tourney Sunday.

Competing at the par-72 Fox Ridge Golf Club, the Dutch finished at 328-326—654 in the nine-team, 54-hole tourney. The University of Dubuque scored a 6-stroke victory at 317-310—627 with Mount Mercy at 320-313—633, Wartburg College at 318-316—634 and Luther College at 324-321—645. Central’s second unit, the White team, was ninth at 366-354—720.

Emily Opsal (senior, Verona, Wis.) tied for fifth place at 76-80—156. Dubuque’s Daniela Miranda took medalist honors with 74-76–150. Lexie Patton (senior, Aurelia, Alta-Aurelia HS) followed at 85-80—165 to tie for 22nd. Delaney Underwood (freshman, Mitchellville, Colfax-Mingo HS) tied for 25th at 85-81—166, Rachael Danielson (sophomore, Jefferson, Greene County HS) shot 83-85—165 and Madison Clark (freshman, Bloomington, Ill., Central Catholic HS) 84-86—170.

Coach Tim Wilkinson saw progress.

“The idea that we posted our best rounds is far from the truth but anytime you can knock a couple strokes off your score is always a good thing,” he said.

Central heads to Waverly next Saturday and Sunday for the 36-hole Wartburg Fall Invitational at the par-72 Prairie Links Golf Course. The Dutch were seventh in a talented 16-team field last year at Waverly, where several of the region’s best are expected again, including squads from Minnesota and Illinois.

Following its opening tournament, Wilkinson isn’t yet ready to finalize his lineup, noting some encouraging showings from players on Central’s second unit.

“It’s a work in progress,” he said. “We’ll probably play more this week.”