Coertze Wins, Statesmen Fourth in Spring Opener
William Penn University Athletics
Memphis, Tenn.–Demi Coertze (Sr., Johannesburg, South Africa, Digital Communication) dominated the field, but her teammates could not follow suit as the William Penn women’s golf team opened the spring season at Battle on Beale Street Monday and Tuesday.
#18 WPU finished fourth out of nine teams with a two-day tally of 695 (354-341) on the par-72 TPC Southwinds Golf Course. Lawrence Tech (Mich.), which is unofficially 32nd in the NAIA, won the team crown at 676 (341-335), while #21 Marian (Ind.) was second and St. Thomas (Texas) (also receiving votes at #36) was third.
Coertze crushed the 43-player field at 160 (79-81), five strokes ahead of the runner-up. The water-logged course, which took on nearly a foot of rain in recent days, permitted just three rounds in the 70s.
“Demi was our bright spot; her approach to the game was as good as it has ever been,” Head Coach Nik Rule said. “If she continues that approach, her teammates will follow her example and we will get out of this rut.”
Jing Yang (Sr., Woodland Hills, Calif., Biology) joined Coertze in the top 10 at 170 (83-87). Elise Warne (Fr., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) (98-86–184) tied for 24th, while Miranda Keeler (So., Plattsmouth, Neb., Communications) (98-87–185) was in a tie for 26th. Courtney Cunningham (Jr., Muskogee, Okla., Computer Science) rounded out the varsity scoring in 29th at 189 (94-95).
WPU’s varsity reserve squad was on the links as well, placing right behind the varsity in fifth at 706 (357-349).
Natalie Booton (Sr., Mount Pleasant, Elementary Education) headlined her group’s effort, tying for ninth at 170 (86-84), while Megan Rhoads (Fr., Schertz, Texas, Psychology) (T-18th, 88-89–177) and Jodi Saito (Jr., Mililani, Hawaii, Education) (T-20th, 93-86–179) were also among the top 20 players.
Brooke Fletcher (So., Atlantic, Iowa, Business Management) was then 22nd at 181 (90-91) and Alyssa Kerry (Fr., Bend, Ore., Communications) was 23rd at 183 (93-90).
“We certainly have a lot of work to do,” Rule said. “I want to see more of a killer instinct out of our players. We have always had that, but it was absent for these 36 holes. Our players have always played with a chip on their shoulder and I expect this to be a wake-up call.”
“We have our first annual Blue-Gold Intrasquad Scrimmage Tournament this weekend,” Rule added. “It will give everyone the opportunity to step up and show us who really wants to win.”
Next Up: William Penn takes a week off before traveling to Silvis, Ill. on March 28-29 to host the TPC Deere Run Invitational. Play will be contested at TPC Deere Run Golf Course.
