School Record for Statesmen in Nebraska
William Penn University Athletics
Lincoln, Neb.–Elise Warne (So., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) paced a dominating Statesmen effort as the William Penn women’s golf team claimed the crown at The Pink Classic hosted by Nebraska Wesleyan Tuesday.
The 21st-ranked Statesmen posted a score of 302 to place first out of three teams at the par-73 Pioneers Golf Course. The team’s score not only tied for the lowest in school history, but was also the lowest in regards to par (+10, old record was +14).
Warne led the way with an even-par 73 to head the 27-player field. It is the first career title for the sophomore.
“I am really pleased with the way Elise played today,” Head Coach Nik Rule said. “We have been working on eliminating big mistakes and playing within herself. She did that today better than she has ever done, which shows she is maturing significantly as a player.”
Courtney Cunningham (Sr., Muskogee, Okla., Computer Science) was next, just one shot back at 74 to place second. William Penn had the top six scores, including the top five by its entire varsity lineup.
Brittany Evans (Fr., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) carded a 77 for the bronze, while Helene Larsen (So., Viborg, Denmark, Business Management) had a 78 for fourth and Jodi Saito (Sr., Mililani, Hawaii, Education) finished fifth at 80.
A trio of navy and gold linksters also swung the sticks with Alexis Guimaraes (Fr., San Ramon, Calif., Psychology) producing the lowest score at 81 to place sixth. Miranda Keeler (Jr., Plattsmouth, Neb., Communications) tied for seventh at 82 and Carly Schmalz (Sr., Buffalo Lake, Minn., History/Government) was 11th at 87.
“We had certain goals in mind going into this event, highlighted by wanting all four of our varsity scores in the 70s and winning by 50 shots,” Rule said. “We knew that the field was a bit weaker, and in order to really have a successful event we needed to flirt with the 290s and win by a large margin. The conditions were not prone to great scoring as it was very windy, but our players again showed how tough they are. All of our players were outstanding, and Courtney Cunningham was especially tough as nails.”
“Coach Stacy Graham at Nebraska Wesleyan donates a portion of the proceeds of this tournament to breast cancer research,” Rule added. “Although it does not really help our strength of schedule, we were proud to play in this event. Sometimes that is not why you compete; we were honored to support this cause.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Storm Lake Saturday and Sunday to compete in the Buena Vista Invitational. Play will be contested at Lake Creek Country Club.
