WPU Holds on to Win Briar Cliff Tournament

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

North Sioux City, S.D.–A pair of sub-310 rounds was good enough for the Statesmen women’s golf team to win yet another tournament as it took home the hardware at the Briar Cliff Lila Frommelt Classic Friday and Saturday.

Winners of five tournaments in a row (dating back to last year), #13 WPU posted a two-round score of 615 (306-309) at the par-71 Two Rivers Golf Course. Morningside nearly stopped the streak, but could only cut the first-day deficit in half as it was second at 618 (312-306).

Elise Warne (Sr., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) topped the 84-player field with a 148 (73-75), while Brittany Evans (Jr., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) was just two strokes behind her at 150 (73-77) to collect runner-up honors.

Helene Larsen (Sr., Viborg, Denmark, Business Management), with scores of 82 and 77, and Megan Rhoads (Sr., Schertz, Texas, Psychology), with scores of 79 and 80, tied for 11th at 159. Alexis Guimaraes (Jr., San Ramon, Calif., Psychology) finished off the varsity as she placed 18th at 161 (81-80).

Individually, a strong start by Bailee Frayne (Fr., Garner, Iowa, Elementary Education) netted her a spot in the top 20, tying for 19th with a score of 162 (76-86). Julia Hippely (Fr., Huron, Ohio, General Accounting) improved 10 strokes in her latter round, tying for 28th at 168 (89-79).

“This was a great team win,” Head Coach Chris Pierson said. “We were tested on the last few holes, but with our experience as a team, we were able to answer. Elise has shown great leadership with her ability to finish down the stretch these last two tournaments and helped propel the team to victory.”

“Brittany had a great tournament as well,” Pierson added. “We continue to get better and we keep pushing each other in the right direction.”

Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa on September 24-25 to host the Statesmen Classic at Edmundson Golf Course.