William Penn Fourth at Saluki Invite
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Carbondale, Ill.–For the second event in a row, the Statesmen women’s golf team faced off against programs from much bigger schools and produced positive results as it competed at the Southern Illinois Saluki Invitational Sunday and Monday.
#17 WPU placed fourth out of 14 teams with a two-day score of 645 (318-327) at the par-72 Hickory Ridge Golf Course. Host and NCAA Division I program Southern Illinois won the event at 615 (299-316), while fellow D-I squads Indiana State and Evansville took the silver and bronze, respectively.
Although they did not earn the title, the Statesmen did bolster their resume by finishing ahead of more than a handful of D-I (Omaha, Valparaiso, Indian Purdue-Fort Wayne, Eastern Illinois, Tennessee State) and D-II squads (Lindenwood, Illinois-Springfield, Maryville).
Thilda Staubo of Indiana State led the 90-player field at even-par 144 (70-74), while Elise Warne (Sr., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) topped the navy and gold in a tie for eighth at 156 (77-79).
Bailee Frayne (Fr., Garner, Iowa, Elementary Education) narrowly missed the top 10, tying for 12th, one shot back at 157 (74-83). Brittany Evans (Jr., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) was next, carding a 162 (82-80) to tie for 23rd.
Megan Rhoads (Sr., Schertz, Texas, Psychology), in a tie for 47th at 170 (85-85), and Alexis Guimaraes (Jr., San Ramon, Calif., Psychology), in a tie for 67th at 179 (91-88), wrapped up the varsity scoring.
Helene Larsen (Sr., Viborg, Denmark, Business Management) (84-88–172, T-50th) and Julia Hippely (Fr., Huron, Ohio, General Accounting) (85-92–177, 61st) played as individuals as well.
Next Up: William Penn travels to Ankeny Saturday and Sunday to compete in the Iowa Central CC Open. Play will be contested at Otter Creek Golf Course.
