William Penn Takes Second at Opening Tourney
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Sioux Falls, S.D.–Two solid rounds nearly proved enough to get the Statesmen women’s golf team a season-opening crown, but instead the program had to settle for silver as it competed at the Mount Marty Invitational Thursday and Friday.
#17 WPU placed second out of 14 teams with a two-day score of 647 (318-329). The first day’s action was at Fox Golf Course and the second day was played at Hillcrest Country Club.
Behind the play of medalist Samantha Knight (71-83–154), Morningside unfortunately held on for the tournament win at 645 (306-339)
Helene Larsen (Jr., Viborg, Denmark, Business Management) and Megan Rhoads (Jr., Schertz, Texas, Psychology) led the charge for the navy and gold at the 82-player event, tying for second at 157. Larsen posted rounds of 81 and 76, while Rhoads flipped those scores at 76 and 81.
Elise Warne (Jr., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) was also in the top 10, tying for sixth at 163 (78-85). Brittany Evans (So., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) narrowly missed a top-10 effort as well as she tied for 12th with a score of 170 (84-86).
Brooke Fletcher (Sr., Atlantic, Iowa, Business Management) rounded out the varsity scoring at 177 (85-92) to tie for 25th. Alexis Guimaraes (So., San Ramon, Calif., Psychology) posted two strong rounds as WPU’s individual as she tied for sixth at 163 (80-83).
By finishing in the top 10, Larsen, Rhoads, Warne, and Guimaraes were each named to the all-tournament team.
“This was a good first tournament to see where we were at as a team and figure out the areas of our game we need to continue to work on,” Head Coach Chris Pierson said. “Helene and Megan both played great tournaments. We made a good run the second day, but unfortunately it ended just a little short.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to St. Anne, Ill. next Friday and Saturday to compete in the Olivet Nazarene Intercollegiate. Play will be contested at Kankakee Elks Country Club.
