Franco Defends POW Award

Oskaloosa–Gabriana Franco (Jr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) earned her first victory of the year and parlayed that into once again being named Heart of America Athletic Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week Monday, presented by Mammoth.

Franco notched her second weekly award of the campaign (second in a row, fifth of her career) after leading William Penn to the team crown at the Mount Mercy Invitational last Tuesday and Wednesday.

The junior tied for first place (won in a card-off) by posting back-to-back rounds of 79 to finish at 158 for the event. Franco was consistent throughout the two rounds; although she recorded just one birdie, she also managed 23 pars.

For the year, Franco owns a 79.4 stroke average in 18 rounds. She has 10 rounds in the 70s (low of 71) and has been in the top 10 on seven occasions.

WPU has won six weekly Heart accolades this season.