William Penn Places Third in Jayhawk State

McPherson, Kan.--The Statesmen women's golf team secured a top-half finish as it battled at the Central Kansas Classic Monday and Tuesday.

WPU placed third out of six squads with a two-round score of 661 (329-332) at the par-72 Turkey Creek Golf Course.  Barton CC (Kan.) won the event at 599 (302-297).

Barton CC also had the individual winner as Suri Rocha Orozco carded a final score of 145 (71-74).

Gabriana Franco (Sr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) was William Penn's top linkster, ending up eighth in the 37-player field at 160 (80-80).  The senior tallied two birdies at the Classic.

Also with two birdies over the two-day tourney, Sarah Gutuza (So., Germiston, South Africa, Political Science) was 10th at 163 (84-79).

Chloe Jacques (Fr., Chatham, Ontario, Political Science) was just outside the top 10 in a tie for 11th with a score of 165 (85-80).  Both of her birdies came on Tuesday.

Amelia Meador (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Kinesiology) opened strong with an 80 on Monday, but fell off the pace with a 93 on Tuesday to tie for 19th at 173.  The junior notched one birdie in Kansas.

A pair of 93s put Mallary Johnson (Jr., Olds, Iowa, General Accounting) in a tie for 28th at 186 to complete the team scoring.  She wrapped up the event with two birdies on her scorecards.

"I feel like we played fine at times, but really gave away some shots that would have put us in the top two this week," Head Coach Darin Fisher said.  "I know the ladies wanted that, so they are disappointed in their effort."

"We have to do a better job of taking advantage of opportunities when we have them and really limit the unforced errors," Fisher added.  "I saw a lot of missed short putts that were the difference between second and third.  We have players with talent and I know with some more rounds, we will be a bit more consistent.  The ladies have a great attitude, and I know they will put in the work before we head to Indiana."

Next Up: William Penn travels to Sound Bend, Ind. next Monday and Tuesday to compete in the Bethel Blackthorn Invitational.  Played will be contested at Blackthorn Golf Course.