Statesmen Rally for First Win of Season
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
St. Anne, Ill.–The William Penn women’s golf team took down a regional rival in winning the Olivet Nazarene Intercollegiate Friday and Saturday.
The 17th-ranked Statesmen claimed the seven-team event with a two-day score of 655 (329-326) at the par-72 Kankakee Elks Country Club.
Non-conference rival and #22 Bellevue led after the opening round with a 321, but faltered on ‘moving day’ with a 340 and WPU took advantage for its first crown of the year. The programs have faced off on numerous occasions over the past several seasons with the Bruins tending to get the better of William Penn, but not this time around as all five Statesmen finished in the top 20.
The navy and gold almost had a clean sweep, but BU’s Faustina Peve took the medalist honor by defeating Megan Rhoads (Jr., Schertz, Texas, Psychology) in a playoff after the two tied for first at 155 at the 46-player event. Peve shot 78-77, while Rhoads ended with rounds of 77 and 78.
Brittany Evans (So., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) joined Rhoads in the top five, tying for fourth at 165 (83-82).
Elise Warne (Jr., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) was next, tying for eighth at 166 (84-82), while Alexis Guimaraes (So., San Ramon, Calif., Psychology) tied for 11th at 169 (85-84).
Helene Larsen (Jr., Viborg, Denmark, Business Management) wrapped up the team’s scoring in a tie for 20th at 172 (88-84).
“This win was a solid team effort,” Head Coach Chris Pierson said. “We had to fight back again and knew it was going to take everyone playing well to win, and that is what we did.”
“Megan was again solid for us, but as a whole team we made some good strides in the right direction,” Pierson added.
Next Up: William Penn travels to North Sioux City, S.D. next Friday and Saturday to compete in the Dakota Wesleyan Lila Frommelt Classic. Play will be contested at Two Rivers Golf Course.
