Lange-Led Statesmen Win Spring Opener in Longhorn State

Longview, Texas--Behind a medalist-winning effort from Olivia Lange (Jr., Buckeburg, Germany, Business Management), the William Penn women's golf team topped the field at the FST Invitational hosted by LeTourneau Monday and Tuesday.

WPU finished first out of seven teams with a two-day score of 653 (326-327) at the par-72 Pinecrest Country Club.  Southwestern (Texas) claimed runner-up honors at 661 (335-326).

The title is the navy and gold's first of the campaign; they had previously placed second on two occasions.

In a change in format, the tournament allowed six individuals to participate for a team with four posting a score.

Lange headed the 43-player field at 156 (78-78), being the only player to score in the 70s in both rounds.  The junior's win is her first of the year and third of her career.  It is also the second individual victory of the year for WPU as she joins Gabriana Franco (So., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) who won during the fall.

Speaking of Franco, she tied for sixth overall at 164 (80-84), while Carlee Frayne (Sr., Garner, Iowa, Sport Management) matched her in sixth with two identical rounds of 82.

Riley Burns (Jr., Edwardsville, Ill., Elementary Education) just missed the top 10, ending up in a tie for 11th at 169 (86-83), while Emma Lawson (Jr., Rossville, Ind., Exercise Science) also competed for the Statesmen, placing 25th at 183 (96-87).

Bliss Martin (So., Hamilton, Ill., Biology), who tied for 36th at 203 (104-99), competed in the spring opener as well.

"I am excited for our ladies to get their first win of the year," Head Coach Elise Warne said.  "We have been seeing progress throughout the season with many of them, and while we are not where we want to be, this was a really good momentum-builder.  Olivia Lange led from the front as usual and put together two respectable rounds.  We are looking forward to building off of this for the rest of the spring."

Next Up: William Penn takes a few weeks off before traveling to Hesston, Kan. on April 1-2 to compete in the Tabor Spring Shootout.  Play will be contested at Hesston Golf Course.