William Penn Makes Cut, Moves Up to 15th
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oklahoma City, Okla.–The Statesmen women’s golf team improved six strokes and slipped inside the cutline as it continued at the NAIA National Championships Wednesday.
WPU posted a score of 309 and improved two positions to 15th with an overall mark of 624 (315-309) at the par-72 Lincoln Park Golf Club (West Course).
British Columbia is now atop the standings at 590 (294-296), while Keiser (Fla.), at 593, and SCAD Savannah (Ga.), at 596, are also in the mix. Keiser’s Michela Tjan and William Woods’ Maria Zrodowska are tied for first in the 155-player event at 143.
The navy and gold, who made the cut by four strokes, will be paired with Southeastern (Fla.) and Texas Wesleyan for Thursday’s third round. The trio will open action at 8:22 a.m. on Hole 10.
Elise Warne (Sr., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) carded another 75 to lead WPU in a tie for 25th at 150 (75-75). Her second 18 was a fairly quiet one with two birdies, 11 pars, and five bogeys.
Brittany Evans (Jr., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) is two strokes back at 152 (T-33rd) after managing a 77. The junior tallied two birdies alongside 10 pars, five bogeys, and one double bogey.
Megan Rhoads (Sr., Schertz, Texas, Psychology) dropped five shots from her first round and is now tied for 53rd at 155 (80-75). She notched three birdies with nine pars and six bogeys as part of her 75.
Alexis Guimaraes (Jr., San Ramon, Calif., Psychology) produced an 82 and is now tied for 125th at 167 (85-82). She had a colorful scorecard with three birdies, six pars, six bogeys, two double bogeys, and one triple bogey.
Deanna Peiffer (Jr., Washington, Iowa, Public Accounting) improved a pair of strokes from Tuesday, and enters Thursday tied for 142nd at 172 (87-85). She recorded eight pars, seven bogeys, and three double bogeys en route to an 85.
“The team responded so well today and played with heart and grit,” Head Coach Nik Rule said. “We are so happy to survive and advance, but are not satisfied as we are well positioned to make a move up the leaderboard.”
“We felt strongly that 308 would get us in for the final 36 holes and a 309 was a nice improvement,” Rule added. “We still have not played our best yet, but we feel like it is just a matter of time. We have 36 holes left, so no better time than now.”
