Coppess leads Dutch women’s golf team at Wartburg Invitational

Central Dutch Athletics

WAVERLY – Junior Brittany Coppess (Clinton) fired a career-low 76 Sunday in the final round of the Wartburg College Fall Invitational. She tied for 18th at the 120-player tournament.

Coppess dropped five strokes off her first-round score and made two birdies, including her final hole of the tournament the par-4, 341-yard 18th.

“Very happy and pleased with Brittany’s round,” said coach Tim Wilkinson. “I know she was really pumped to break through and go lower than 79.”

Central dropped six strokes off its opening round score of 326 to post 646 and placed 10th in the 20-team, 36-hole tournament. The Dutch were not at full strength in the final round despite the lower score as senior Alison Kretzinger (Johnston) withdrew after nine holes in the final round. Kretzinger had posted an opening-round 80.

Carleton College (Minn.) was crowned the champion, adding 304 to its opening round 312 to defeat Wis.-Stout by two strokes.

Sophomore Lexie Patton (Aurelia, Alta-Aurelia HS), senior Cierra Pulse (Stronghurst, Ill., West Central HS) and senior Molly Timmerman (Dubuque) tied for 45th with 81-84—165, 84-81—165 and 86-79—165; respectively.

“Molly really stepped up and played well today,” said Wilkinson. “Overall it was a good tournament for us after having to deal with some different circumstances.”

The Dutch head to the Division III Classic at The Jewel in Lake City, Minn. hosted by Carleton Saturday. Wilkinson has one thought on his mind heading into the next tournament.

“Our main priority is to get healthy for the rest of the fall,” he said.