Best Round in Nationals History Helps Statesmen Move Up Standings
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oklahoma City, Okla.–Nearly breaking the 300 mark at nationals for the first time ever, the William Penn women’s golf team continued to improve at the NAIA National Championships Thursday.
WPU tallied a 301 and moved up one rung into a tie for 14th with an overall mark of 925 (315-309-301) at the par-72 Lincoln Park Golf Club (West Course).
British Columbia remains first at 884 (294-296-294), while Keiser (Fla.) is still second at 889. Keiser’s Michela Tjan has opened up a two shot lead in the 155-player event (down to 97 with the cut) at two-under 214.
The navy and gold broke their own school record at nationals from a day earlier (309) and did it in convincing fashion. William Penn was excellent through 14 holes at just three-over, but got tripped up a bit at the end for its 301 (+13). The score still stood as the 10th best on the day.
It will be a case of déjà vu Friday as the Statesmen will once again be paired with Texas Wesleyan and Southeastern (Fla.) for the final round, and again the trio will hit the links at 8:22 a.m. on Hole 10.
Elise Warne (Sr., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) and Megan Rhoads (Sr., Schertz, Texas, Psychology) headlined the charge as both tied WPU’s single round nationals record at 73.
Warne, who is now tied for 19th at 223 (75-75-73), was two-under entering her final four holes. For the day, the senior produced five birdies, seven pars, and six bogeys en route to her 73.
Rhoads, whose 228 (80-75-73) places her in a tie for 45th, was one-under at the turn. She posted three birdies, 11 pars, and four bogeys as part of her 73.
Brittany Evans (Jr., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) notched a 74 to remain in a tie for 33rd at 226 (75-77-74). She birdied twice, parred 12 holes, and had four bogeys. The junior was even par through 16 holes.
Alexis Guimaraes (Jr., San Ramon, Calif., Psychology) is now 92nd overall at 248 (85-82-81) after her round of 81. The junior was without a birdie, but managed 11 pars in addition to five bogeys and two double bogeys.
Deanna Peiffer (Jr., Washington, Iowa, Public Accounting) ended Thursday at 83 to sit 95th at 255 (87-85-83). Her card included two birdies, eight pars, five bogeys, two double bogeys, and one quadruple bogey.
“We really put a good day together,” Head Coach Nik Rule said. “We are proud of our players for stepping up to the occasion and holding their own. All day we were trending somewhere around 295, but just faltered a bit late. Still, the result was high-achieving.”
“This group of amazing ambassadors to William Penn University continue to rise to the occasion,” Rule said. “Every challenge we have given them, they have stepped up to the plate. We have one more challenge for them tomorrow, to finish this historic season off the right way. We look forward to it; in fact, we cannot wait!”
