Franco, Lange Share Medalist Honors as WPU Takes Regular Season Finale

Iowa City--Paced by co-medalists Gabriana Franco (Jr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) and Olivia Lange (Sr., Porta Westfalica, Germany, Business Management), the Statesmen women's golf team will head into the league meet with momentum as it won the Mount Mercy Invitational Tuesday and Wednesday.

William Penn finished first out of five teams with a two-round score of 661 (336-325) at the par-72 Finkbine Golf Course.  Host Mount Mercy claimed runner-up honors at 683.

The team crown is the fourth of the year for WPU (second of the spring).  Of nine tournaments this year, the navy and gold have placed no lower than third.

Franco and Lange had identical scores en route to their co-title at the 30-player event.  Both individuals shot 79 on Tuesday and matched that with another set of 79s on Wednesday for winning scores of 158.

Bliss Martin (Jr., Hamilton, Ill., Biology) was also in the top 10, placing seventh at 171 (88-83), while Riley Burns (Sr., Edwardsville, Ill., Elementary Education) just missed the mark as she tied for 11th at 174 (90-84).

Emma Lawson (Sr., Rossville, Ind., Exercise Science) rounded out the varsity lineup, tying for 18th at 183 (95-88).

Playing as an individual, Sarah Gutuza (Fr., Germiston, South Africa, Political Science) ended up 13th with a score of 177 (88-89).

"I am pleased we were able to come away with a win, including placing three in the top seven and having co-medalists," Head Coach Darin Fisher said.  "Both Olivia Lange and Gabriana Franco are peaking at the right time.  This Finkbine course was a great test and will help us as we prep for another tough course at the conference championship.  We look forward to the challenge."

Next Up: William Penn travels to Overland Park, Kan. next Monday and Tuesday to compete in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship.  Play will be contested at Nicklaus Golf Club.