Statesmen Campaign Ends at Heart Championship

Smithville, Mo.--The William Penn women's golf team concluded its 2025-2026 season with a top-half placing at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship Monday and Tuesday.

The Statesmen finished fifth out of 11 teams with a three-round score of 1,021 (355-333-333) at the par-72 Paradise Pointe Golf Course.  Mount Mercy won the crown at 936 (320-305-311) to earn the league's automatic berth to the NAIA National Championship.

Chiara Bothe of Mount Mercy won the individual medalist award with a score of 226 (79-75-72).

Gabriana Franco (Sr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) led the navy and gold with a top-10 effort, tying for ninth at 243 (89-79-75).  Her final collegiate competition featured three birdies.

"I was glad to see Gabi fight back after a disappointing first round, and play well in her second and third rounds," Head Coach Darin Fisher said.  "She has had a great career at William Penn."

Sarah Gutuza (So., Germiston, South Africa, Political Science) also finished in the top 20, tying for 18th at 254 (88-81-85).  The sophomore recorded two birdies at Paradise Pointe.

"Sarah had another decent event," Fisher said.  "She has been a consistent contributor all season long."

Chloe Jacques (Fr., Chatham, Ontario, Political Science) was next, placing 24th with rounds of 89, 85, and 87 for a final score of 261.

Amelia Meador (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Kinesiology) tied for 27th at 266 (92-88-86), while Olivia Quail (Fr., South Lyon, Mich., Sports Management) rounded out the lineup in 34th at 277 (89-90-98).  Meador recorded two birdies and Quail notched one.

"The ladies struggled a bit in the opening round, and we really dug ourselves a big hole that we were never able to get out of," Fisher said.  "Sometimes a difficult golf course can expose players.  We drove the ball pretty well as a team, but our short games let us down.  I think, collectively, we know where we must improve over the offseason to be competitive next year."