WPU Finishes 14th at Nationals

William Penn Womens Golf 2019

by Wade Steinlage

Oklahoma City, Okla.–The Statesmen women’s golf team wrapped up a tremendous campaign with one more strong round as it concluded play at the NAIA National Championships Friday.

William Penn carded a 304 to finish 14th with an overall score of 1,229 (315-309-301-304) at the par-72 Lincoln Park Golf Club (West Course).

British Columbia held on for the team national title at 1,175 (294-296-294-291), while Michela Tjan of runner-up Keiser (Fla.) was the individual national champion at four-under 284 (73-70-71-70).

WPU’s four-day score of 1,229 destroys the previous school record of 1,276 from the 2015 national tournament. The squad’s final two rounds of 301 and 304 are also both in the top 11 all-time.

Overall, the navy and gold, who entered the Championships at #18 in the nation, finished in front of 10 ranked foes, including most notably #7 South Carolina Beaufort, #10 Victoria (B.C.), #13 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.), #15 Texas Wesleyan, #16 Rocky Mountain (Mont.), and #17 Indiana Tech.

Megan Rhoads (Sr., Schertz, Texas, Psychology) tied the program’s best national tournament round by once again posting a 73 (second day in a row). Her final tally of 301 (80-75-73-73) placed her 33rd overall. The senior’s final day included three birdies, 12 pars, two bogeys, and one double bogey.

Elise Warne (Sr., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) ended up two shots better than Rhoads in the final standings as her final round 76 put her at 299 (75-75-73-76). The two-time Heart of America Athletic Conference Player of the Year netted three birdies Friday along with nine pars, five bogeys, and one double bogey.

Brittany Evans (Jr., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) recorded a 77 in her final round to tie for 43rd overall at 303 (75-77-74-77). She managed two birdies, 10 pars, five bogeys, and one double bogey in her final round of the season.

Alexis Guimaraes (Jr., San Ramon, Calif., Psychology) notched her best round of the tournament with a 78 to end up tied for 92nd at 326 (85-82-81-78). The junior’s day included one birdie, 10 pars, and seven bogeys.

Deanna Peiffer (Jr., Washington, Iowa, Public Accounting) wrapped up her career (graduating early) with nine pars, seven bogeys, and two triple bogeys en route to an 85. Her final score of 340 (87-85-83-85) put her in 95th place.

The tournament ends the collegiate careers of several seniors, including varsity members Peiffer, Rhoads, and Warne.

“This was a special week for this program and the amazing group of student-athletes on the team,” Head Coach Nik Rule said. “The record-setting results are a product of this team coming together at a time of adversity and moving forward full steam ahead as a united squad.”

“Everything we have challenged them to do in the last 50 days has not only been accepted with open arms, but was handled with grit and determination in a way I have never seen as a coach,” Rule added. “They accomplished so much this year and should be very proud of their success.”

“This week was so enjoyable and none of them wanted it to end which is a sign of just how close they are,” Rule said. “Elise and Megan capped off incredible careers, while Deanna got really hot this spring and is a remarkable comeback story. The future of this program is in good shape as Brittany, Alexis, Bailee (Frayne), and Julia (Hippely) will no doubt lead the team, while Madison (Lantz) and Katrina (Estes) improved a ton this spring. That, coupled with the incoming recruiting class, leave things productive going forward. This group of underclassmen is taking a great deal of pride in continuing the championship ways, which they expressed to the seniors in our meeting after the round.”

“There were a lot of tears, but they were tears of joy, happiness, and appreciation for the relationships built as teammates,” Rule concluded. “It was just remarkable and inspiring to see; we are so proud of them.”

Posted by on May 20 2019. Filed under College Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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