WPU Second Behind #6 Team in NAIA
William Penn University Athletics
Fulton, Mo.–The Statesmen women’s golf team gave it a great go against one of the best teams in the nation as it placed second at the William Woods Invitational Monday and Tuesday.
William Penn claimed the runner-up position in the 11-team tournament with a two-day score of 634 (305-329) at the-par 72 Tanglewood Golf Course. The Statesmen trailed #6 William Woods by just 11 strokes after the first day, but they could not keep pace in the final 18 holes.
It is just the third time this year (eight tournaments) that the navy and gold did not hoist the championship trophy.
William Woods won the title at 584 (294-290), while Celia Mansour of WWU’s JV team took the medalist honors at three-under 141 (70-71).
WPU had three golfers in the top 10, led by Demi Coertze (Jr., Johannesburg, South Africa, Digital Communication) who finished in a tie for sixth at 156 (77-79).
Maggie Yang (Sr., Chino, Calif., Biology) (75-82) and Jing Yang (So., Woodland Hills, Calif., Biology) (73-84) also tied for eighth at 157.
Alexandria Eckenrod (Sr., Mason City, Iowa, Elementary Education) was 12th at 164 (80-84) and Natalie Booton (Jr., Mount Pleasant, Elementary Education) rounded out the varsity scoring in a tie for 16th at 169 (83-86).
Courtney Cunningham (So., Muskogee, Okla., Computer Science) headlined a trio of individuals, tying for 10th at 158 (78-80). Jodi Saito (So., Mililani, Hawaii, Education) (89-86) and Alexi Rule (So., Idaho Falls, Idaho, Education) (86-89) narrowly missed the top 20 as they tied for 22nd at 175.
“The first round was an example of the high level we can play at and are showing on a more regular basis,” Head Coach Nik Rule said. “Unfortunately, on the second day we just looked flat and became scared to make a mistake. It was a good learning experience and I think we also gained some respect from other teams who have heard about us but have not seen us play in person.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Silvis, Ill. next Monday and Tuesday to host the TPC Deere Run Invitational. Play will be contested at TPC Deere Run Golf Course.
