Silver to William Penn in Year’s First Tournament

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s golf team walked off with a runner-up placing as it hosted the William Penn Statesmen Invitational to start its season Monday and Tuesday.

WPU finished second out of six teams with a two-day score of 635 (320-315) at the par-71 Edmundson Golf Course. Indian Hills CC took home the team crown at 618 (312-306).

IHCC also had the meet medalist as Joska Nelis led the 35-player field at 149 (75-74).

Gabriana Franco (Jr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) paced the navy and gold with a third-place effort at 151 (74-77) to garner all-tournament laurels.

Olivia Lange (Sr., Buckeburg, Germany, Business Management) also ended up in the top 10 in eighth at 157 (80-77).

Riley Burns (Sr., Edwardsville, Ill., Elementary Education) was next in 15th at 163 (84-79), while Emma Lawson (Sr., Rossville, Ind., Exercise Science) placed 17th at 166 (82-84).

Sarah Gutuza (Fr., Germiston, South Africa, Political Science) rounded out the varsity order in 23rd in her collegiate debut; she carded scores of 90 and 82 for a final tally of 172.

Bliss Martin (Jr., Hamilton, Ill., Biology) guided WPU’s reserve squad as she was 14th at 162 (78-84). The team was fifth overall at 675 (336-339).

“Gabriana Franco was solid in our season opener,” Head Coach Elise Warne said. “Olivia Lange found some form in the second round and Riley Burns broke a person best in her second round as well. Each of our ladies had at least one good round.”

“There is plenty of room for everyone to learn and improve for the coming weeks,” Warne added. “We love kicking off our season at home, particularly because of the support we get at Edmundson.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to McPherson, Kan. next Monday and Tuesday to compete in the Central Kansas Classic. Play will be contested at Turkey Creek Golf Course.