WPU Collects Team, Individual Wins at TPC Deere Run
Silvis, Ill. — The TPC Deere Run Golf Course proved to be a daunting task for all players, but the William Penn women’s golf team was able to manage it best as it won the TPC Deere Run Invitational Saturday and Sunday.
The Statesmen held a slim lead entering the second day, and while the weather conditions improved and scores lowered across the field, WPU was able to hold off the charge of Mount Mercy and Oklahoma Wesleyan for the team victory.
WPU took first at 701 (353-348) on the par-72 course, while Mount Mercy was second at 717 (362-355) and Oklahoma Wesleyan was third at 724 (355-369). Brittany Evans (Sr., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) claimed the overall individual trophy after a stunning first round and good play on Sunday.
The two-day event featured 12 teams and a field of 68 players on the challenging course. Very narrow and with plenty of sand bunkers to deal with along with the weather, TPC Deere Run gave a huge challenge. Evans set the bar with a 79 on day one, putting her in the lead after 18 holes. Her Sunday score was not as low, but a round of 85 made for a two-day total of 164 and a first-place finish. It is her second individual win on the year she as continues to play fantastic golf.
Bailee Frayne (So., Garner, Iowa, Elementary Education) started the event with a 93 and came home with a second round of 91, giving her a two-day total of 184. Alexis Guimaraes (Sr., San Ramon, Calif., Psychology) hit a 96 on day one and then recorded an 83 for a final score of 179. Her second round was the lowest score on day two and she did an amazing job dropping 13 strokes from her day one total, resulting in an eighth place finish.
Julia Hippely (So., Huron, Ohio, General Accounting) tied Guimaraes on day one with a 96 while day two saw the sophomore hit an 89 for a two-day total of 185. Meanwhile Jaclyn Wojciechowski (Fr., Graytown, Ohio, Business Management) started off with a very solid 85 on day one and finished the event with 92 for a two day total of 177, good for a sixth place finish, her highest finish on the season so far.
“It is always a joy to play a beautiful golf course and this weekend was no exception,” Head Coach Bailey Rimes said. “In the past we have hosted at TPC Deere Run and this summer we really made it a priority to bring the tournament back to life as a fan and player favorite.”
“The weekend was not perfect, but the game of golf hardly ever is,” Rimes added. “The ladies battled through 30-40 mph winds the first day in cold weather and the scores were not what we knew we were capable of. As a team we knew we had to do better and challenge ourselves to improve for the second day. All the girls really took it upon themselves to find one thing they wanted to improve on for the second day. They came out firing and excited, and every single player improved on what it was they wanted to challenge themselves with. That to me says a lot about their determination to learn and improve and makes me excited about our future. We wrapped up the tournament with a lot of new knowledge and learning experiences, and look forward to competing once again at the Heart Preview on Monday and Tuesday.”
Next Up: The final fall event will be the Heart of America Athletic Conference Preview event at Osage Nation Golf Course in Ozark, Mo. It will take place over October 21-22.
