Transfer Paces WPU to Runner-Up Finish in Fall Opener
William Penn Women’s Athletics
Moravia–A newcomer and two seasoned veterans finished in the top 10 for the Statesmen women’s golf team as it claimed silver at the Midwest Collegiate Open Monday and Tuesday.
#12 William Penn placed second out of six teams with a two-day tally of 622 (302-320) at The Preserve GC–a par-72 layout. Iowa Western CC took the team crown at 600 (298-302), while #24 Marian (Ind.) was also in the field, taking third at 642 (317-325).
WPU’s 302 on Monday is a new 18-hole program record, eclipsing the old par-72 mark of 305 from last year (also at The Preserve).
Sensa Ersoy of IWCC was the tournament medalist, going into the red at three-under 141 (67-74).
A trio of Statesmen battled at the top with sophomore transfer Miranda Keeler (Plattsmouth, Neb., Communications) stealing the show in a tie for fourth at 154 (77-77).
Following right behind her was Demi Coertze (Sr., Johannesburg, South Africa, Digital Communication) in sixth at 155 (72-83) and Natalie Booton (Sr., Mount Pleasant, Elementary Education) in seventh at 156 (76-80).
Elise Warne (Fr., Balwin North, Australia, Exercise Science), in 13th at 161 (81-80), and Courtney Cunningham (Jr., Muskogee, Okla., Computer Science), in a tie for 14th at 162 (77-85), wrapped up the varsity’s scoring.
WPU had nearly its entire squad in action with the varsity reserve team taking fourth at 655 (334-321). Jing Yang (Sr., Woodland Hills, Calif., Biology) was the group leader in a tie for eighth at 157 (82-75), while Brooke Fletcher (So., Atlantic, Iowa, Business Management) and Alyssa Kerry (Fr., Bend, Ore., Communications) also finished in the top 20. Fletcher posted a 163 (83-80) for 18th place and Kerry shot 166 (85-81) to tie for 19th.
Alexi Rule (Jr., Idaho Falls, Idaho, Elementary Education) (22nd, 84-85–169) and Helene Larsen (Fr., Viborg, Denmark, Business Management) (T-23rd, 85-85–170) were not far behind.
Jodi Saito (Jr., Mililani, Hawaii, Education) highlighted the play of the Statesmen individuals as she tied for eighth at 157 (78-79). Megan Rhoads (Fr., Schertz, Texas, Psychology) tied for 19th at 166 (86-80) and Bailey Rimes (Fr., Niceville, Fla., Public Accounting) was 31st at 174 (85-89).
“This was an important event for us with another ranked team traveling to compete against us,” Head Coach Nik Rule said. “It was a good early result for our program and definitely something to build upon.”
“Our first team’s performance on Monday was really impressive and our day two score from our second team was notable as well,” Rule added. “We have an incredibly deep program which was showcased this week and it continues to give us stability moving forward. Our young players showed maturity beyond their years as well.”
“We have a few weeks until our next event, which will give us some time to get into better playing shape. We looked a bit tired at times, but it is early in the season and we have only been on campus a few weeks.”
Next Up: William Penn is off nearly two weeks, returning to action on September 13-14 at the Deer Park Classic in Oglesby, Ill. Play will be contested at Deer Park Country Club.
