Statesmen Place Second at TPC Deere Run Event
Silvis, Ill.–The William Penn women’s golf team faced an extremely challenging venue and came away with a silver as it competed at the TPC Deere Run Invitational Monday and Tuesday.
WPU finished second out of nine teams with a three-round score of 1,026 (343-343-340) at the par-72 TPC Deere Run Golf Course. #13 nationally-ranked Indiana Wesleyan claimed the team trophy at 987 (327-327-333), while the Wildcats also had the individual medalist as Caroline Gibson led the 50-player field at 235 (77-77-81).
Olivia Lange (Sr., Buckeburg, Germany, Business Management) was Gibson’s closest competitor, taking second at 243 (82-80-81). She tallied just one birdie in the first two rounds combined, but was able to post five in her final 18 holes.
Gabriana Franco (Jr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) was right behind her teammate in a tie for third at 246 (79-82-85). Her first-round 79 was the lone Statesmen score under 80 during the event.
Grace Butler (Sr., Arnolds Park, Iowa, Biology) was next for the navy and gold, tying for 24th at 269 (89-90-90), while Bliss Martin (Jr., Hamilton, Ill., Biology) ended up 29th at 273 (93-96-84).
Riley Burns (Sr., Edwardsville, Ill., Elementary Education) rounded out the varsity scoring in 33rd place at 281 (96-91-94).
Sarah Gutuza (Fr., Germiston, South Africa, Political Science) also hit the links as an individual and finished 36th with a three-round tally of 284 (103-97-84).
“We always enjoy getting to play this unbelievable course,” Head Coach Elise Ibrahim said. “It is a tough one and tests even the best players. Gabriana Franco and Olivia Lange were very solid for us. The scores were high and we are not satisfied, but it was a good test and exposed the weakest areas of our game. We finish the fall by lining up against the rest of the conference, and get to show the improvements we have made since April.”
Next Up: William Penn wraps up the fall campaign by traveling to Overland Park, Kan. next Monday and Tuesday to compete in the Heart Preview. Play will be contested at Nicklaus Golf Club.
