WPU Nearly Nips #16 Host Bellevue
William Penn University Athletics
Bellevue, Neb.–Elise Warne (So., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) and Jodi Saito (Sr., Mililani, Hawaii, Education) were both named to the all-tournament team as the Statesmen women’s golf team battled for three rounds at the Bellevue Invitational Monday and Tuesday.
#20 William Penn finished second out of seven teams at the 54-hole event with a score of 959 (325-320-314) at the par-72 Platteview Golf Club. The Statesmen came up just short of upsetting the host Bruins, who are ranked 16th in the NAIA. BU took the crown at 953 (328-311-314).
Cassidy Evreniadis of Iowa Western CC placed first out of 39 players at 229 (78-80-71).
All-tourney honorees Warne (77-79-83) and Saito (81-80-78) tied for fifth at 239.
“Elise and Jodi really played well,” Head Coach Nik Rule said. “Both have been working on being more confident in themselves and you could tell their efforts paid off. Being on the all-tournament team in this event is a great honor.”
Miranda Keeler (Jr., Plattsmouth, Neb., Communications) was next in eighth at 242 (83-78-81), while Brittany Evans (Fr., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) tied for 10th at 247 (84-83-80).
Helene Larsen (So., Viborg, Denmark, Business Management) rounded out the scoring in 12th at 250 (84-91-75).
“We were also pleased with Miranda, who has come back from injury and has her mind in the right spot now,” Rule said. “She showed us a lot at this tournament. We have been working on a few things with Brittany and Helene and their patience paid off as they were able to help the team.”
“We have been really excited about playing in this event,” Rule added. “Playing 54 hours in 36 hours is very challenging and it pushed our players. They handled it very well and we were pleased with their fitness and drive.”
“Bellevue is a great team,” Rule said. “We pushed them to the limit, beating them in the first round and tying them in the third round at their home course. The course was the most difficult we have played all year, so our final round score of 314 was something we are really happy about.”
Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa Sunday and Monday to host the William Penn Classic. Play will be contested at Edmundson Golf Course.
