WPU Starts Spring Campaign at Island Pointe Intercollegiate

Kodak, Tenn.--The William Penn women's golf team opened its spring season by competing at the Island Pointe Intercollegiate hosted by Defiance Thursday and Friday.

The Statesmen finished fourth out of eight teams with a two-round score of 717 (359-358) at the par-72 Island Pointe Golf Course.  Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) topped the field at 664 (328-336).

Individual medalist honors were claimed by Magnolia Miller of Huntington (Ind.) with a score of 154 (75-79).

Gabriana Franco (Sr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) bounced back from a disappointing first-round 94 by posting an 81 in the second round to lead the navy and gold in a tie for ninth at 175.

Sarah Gutuza (So., Germiston, South Africa, Political Science) also had an up-and-down event, opening with an 84 before tallying a 92 on Friday.  Her 176 tied her for 13th.

Chloe Jacques (Fr., Chatham, Ontario, Political Science), at 90-93, and Amelia Meador (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Kinesiology), at 91-92, both tied for 20th at 183 to wrap up William Penn's scoring.

"I thought the ladies battled hard this week," Head Coach Darin Fisher said.  "The rain and wind had the course playing long and difficult.  We drove the ball well for the most part, but really struggled hitting greens and getting the ball up and down."

"We have a smaller group right now, so we do not have any room for error as we do not have a fifth player to lean on if someone has a tough day," Fisher added.  "I know a fourth-place finish was not what we had hoped for, but we will work hard, get to the range over the next couple weeks, and be ready for Kentucky at the end of the month."

Next Up: William Penn travels to London, Ky. on March 30-31 to compete in the Cumberlands Invitational at The Oaks of London Golf Course.