Three in Top Five as Statesmen Finish Fall with Silver Placing
The William Penn women’s golf team proved it will be right in the mix next spring when it comes to the league title and national qualifier as it competed at the Heart Preview Monday and Tuesday.
WPU finished second out of 11 teams with a two-round score of 642 (327-315) at The Preserve Golf Course–a par-72 layout. Mount Mercy held off the navy and gold by four strokes, posting a score of 638 (321-317).
The Preserve will serve as the site of next spring’s Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship, which is the qualifying tournament for the NAIA National Championship.
MMU’s Lucia Larruscain headed the 58-player field at 151 (78-73), while a trio of Statesmen were right on her heels, beginning with runner-up Olivia Lange (Jr., Buckeburg, Germany, Business Management).
The junior, who made 22 pars and three birdies, finished two strokes back of the lead at 153 (80-73). She tied for first in the field in par-four scoring.
Carlee Frayne (Sr., Garner, Iowa, Sport Management) took third at 154 (80-74), highlighted by 21 pars and three birdies. She tied for the best scoring on par-three holes.
Playing as an individual, Olivia Cramer (Jr., Lawton, Mich., Civil Engineering) had an outstanding tournament by taking fourth at 79-76–155. The junior, who was the only Statesmen to break 80 both days, recorded the tournament’s only eagle, while also managing 20 pars and two birdies. Cramer tied for first in par-five scoring.
Gabriana Franco (So., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) was also in the top 20, tying for 16th at 167 (86-81), while Emma Lawson (Jr., Rossville, Ind., Exercise Science) finished 25th at 173 (86-87). Lawson’s performance included 18 pars.
Riley Burns (Jr., Edwardsville, Ill., Elementary Education) carded a solid 81 on the first day, but unfortunately was unable to post a score on Tuesday.
“The competition in the conference has gone up a level, which is a positive for us and forces us to step it up a gear,” Head Coach Elise Warne said. “I personally wanted to see what we learned from TPC last week and if we could take it forward to this final tournament. We saw that individually with Riley, Carlee, and Olivia Cramer as they all broke personal tournament records. I am so proud and happy for their success. Olivia Lange bounced back with a great second day and showed us what she can do. Gabi had a tough week, but I know she will be fine, while Emma has been solid for us this semester.”
“Overall, I am proud of the results because we showed we can score on this course,” Warne added. “What excites me is how much potential there is in this group.”
