Low Second-Day Score Propels Gutuza Up Standings at Bethany Classic
Newton, Kan.–Sarah Gutuza (So., Germiston, South Africa, Political Science) dropped a significant number of strokes the second time she saw the course as she paced the William Penn women’s golf team at the Bethany Classic Monday and Tuesday.
The Statesmen tied for fourth out of six teams with a two-round score of 687 (343-344) at the par-72 Sand Creek Station Golf Course. NCAA Division II Newman (Kan.) topped the field at 678 (334-344).
Newman also had the individual medalist on its roster with Bella Callaba posting a 159 (81-78).
Gutuza started the week slow with an 88, but jumped 16 spots on the second day of action with a four-over 76 that led the entire 36-player field. Overall, the sophomore, who recorded two birdies on Tuesday, finished fourth at 164.
“Sarah had an incredible bounce-back round,” Head Coach Darin Fisher said. “Solid play mixed with a couple birdies really shot her up the leaderboard. I am very happy and proud of her. If she can keep this momentum going, and get a couple of the other players straightened out, I feel like we could still make a run at the conference tournament.”
Gabriana Franco (Sr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) led the remaining WPU linksters, placing 14th at 173 (85-88), while Amelia Meador (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Kinesiology) was 15th at 174 (83-91). Both individuals tallied a birdie at the Classic.
Chloe Jacques (Fr., Chatham, Ontario, Political Science) wrapped up the Statesmen lineup, tying for 17th at 176 (87-89).
“Overall, we struggled a bit with the speed of the greens,” Fisher said. “For most of the event, I was satisfied with our ball-striking, but I think the ladies would admit that they really lost this event on the greens.”
“This was definitely a tournament that we had every opportunity to win, and we let this one slip through our fingertips,” Fisher added. “We will keep working towards being a little more mentally tough. I think the wind and green speeds really took our focus off just doing what we know how to do.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Iowa City next Monday and Tuesday to compete in the Mount Mercy Invitational at Brown Deer Golf Course.
