Yang on All-Tournament Team, Lady Statesmen Fourth at League Event
William Penn Women's Athletics
Riverside–An impressive 2011-2012 women’s golf season ended with a bit of a disappointment as William Penn competed at the Midwest Collegiate Conference Women’s Golf Championships Friday and Saturday.
The Lady Statesmen placed fourth out of nine teams with a final tally of 697 (355-342) at the par-72 Blue Top Ridge Golf Course.
Grand View rallied to slip past Ashford for the team title and the automatic bid to the NAIA Women’s Golf National Championships on May 15-18 in Greeneville, Tenn. The Vikings shot a 678 (343-335) to beat the Saints (341-340–681) by three strokes.
Ashford did have some consolation as Brittany Boon was the individual medalist and will join Grand View at nationals. She followed an 81 with an 83 for a 164 total.
Maggie Yang (Fr., Chino, Calif., Diamond Bar HS) bounced back from a tough first day 86 to shoot 81 on Saturday. Her 167 tally tied for third and earned her all-tournament honors.
“Maggie came back on day two and held her own against the field on a very tough golf course,” Head Coach Nik Rule said. “She has constantly improved all year, both mentally and athletically, and being on the all-tournament team is just another step in the right direction for her as a player.”
Courtney Kronmuller (Jr., Fountain Valley, Calif., Fullerton CC) joined Yang in the top ten, tying for eighth at 172 (85-87).
Dena Stevens (Sr., Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa HS) finished 14th at 175 (90-85), while Mayci Rule (Jr., Idaho Falls, Idaho, Skyline HS) was in a tie for 24th at 183 (94-89).
“Dena has been through thick and thin with this program and has learned a lot and worked hard to adapt to the changes we put in place last year,” Rule said. “She has had an impressive career here at William Penn with several tournament wins and many notable performances. I am really going to miss having her on the golf course playing. She really stepped up this year and embraced a leadership role. We are excited though that she will be staying around and joining the coaching staff as a graduate assistant next year.”
Ashley Manhnieo (Fr., Las Vegas, Nev., Olathe Northwest HS), in a tie for 33rd (95-97–192), and Presley Joss (Jr., Osceola, Clarke HS), in 45th at 223 (115-108), rounded out their team’s scoring.
“On the surface, this may seem like a really disappointing performance,” Rule said. “We have proven we have the talent to win every time we take the course, so in that respect it is a tough loss. But if you look at the big picture, look where this group of ladies has taken this program. In one season, we have gone from one of the least competitive teams in the conference to a team that has been recognized in national polls, a team that has won several golf tournaments, and placed in several others. We were able do to this so quickly because we have such a great group of student-athletes who really take pride in what they do. They have helped build the foundation for years of success with this program and that is very exciting.”
