Gutuza’s Ace Highlights Runner-Up Placing at TPC Deere Run

Silvis, Ill.--Sarah Gutuza (So., Germiston, South Africa, Political Science) recorded a hole-in-one, while Gabriana Franco (Sr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) took second individually as the Wiliam Penn women's golf team nearly took the crown at The Statesmen at TPC Deere Run Monday and Tuesday.

WPU finished second out nine teams with a two-round score of 682 (342-340) at the par-72 TPC Deere Run Golf Course, a stop on the PGA Tour (John Deere Classic).

Bellevue (Neb.) held off the navy and gold for the title at 676 (336-340), while Amalia Ortega of Clarke won the medalist honor at 154 (74-80).

Franco was second in the 47-player field, finishing two strokes back at 156 (77-79).  The senior notched three birdies during the tournament.

"I am happy for Gabi and her runner-up finish, but I think she would agree that is not what her goal was," Head Coach Darin Fisher said.  "We have a pretty big event next week, and I know she will use this as motivation."

Gutuza was in the top 10 as well, finishing seventh at 166 (81-85).  En route to a commendable score on Monday, her round improved dramatically on the 16th hole as her tee shot on the 114-yard par-3 found the bottom of the cup.

The sophomore managed two other birdies as well.

Mallary Johnson (Jr., Olds, Iowa, General Accounting), who had two birdies at the event, was next in 15th at 177 (91-86), while Amelia Meador (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Kinesiology) narrowly missed the top 20 as she tied for 22nd at 183 (93-90).

Chloe Jacques (Fr., Chatham, Ontario, Political Science) capped the varsity lineup in a tie for 29th at 187 (93-94).  The freshman was good for one birdie on Tuesday.

Playing as an individual, Olivia Quail (Fr., South Lyon, Mich., Sports Management) topped the remaining Statesmen by finishing 39th at 204 (101-103).

"What a fantastic experience for these ladies," Fisher said.  "To play an event at TPC Deere Run where they hold a PGA Tour event is pretty special.  The ladies battled hard for two days and just came up a little short of what we had hoped."

"We have had solid play from our top two players most of the year," Fisher said.  "Gabi has been shooting solid scores, and Sarah has been a consistent contributor.  However, if we want to contend for wins, we are going to need everyone to be a bit more sharp."

Next Up: William Penn travels to Smithville, Mo. next Monday and Tuesday to compete in the Heart Preview.  The fall finale will be contested at Paradise Pointe Golf Course.