Runner-Up Herrera Guides WPU to Fifth in Kansas

Newton, Kan.--Andon Herrera (Fr., Katy, Texas, Business Management) broke par twice to lead the Statesmen men's golf team to a top-five finish at the Bethany Classic Monday and Tuesday.

William Penn placed fifth out of 11 teams with a two-round score of 604 (300-304) at the par-72 Sand Creek Station Golf Course.  Iowa Western CC won the team crown at 574 (288-286), just six strokes ahead of Columbia.

Ethan Smith of Iowa Western CC headed the 61-player field at six-under 138 (66-72), holding off Herrera by three strokes.

The freshman linkster opened with a one-under 71 and then bettered that card on Tuesday with a two-under 70 to finish at three-under 141.  It marks the first time this season that a Statesmen has gone under par in both rounds of a tournament.

Francois Assaud (Jr., Montelimar, France, Sports Management) and Luke Galeazzi (Jr., Knoxville, Iowa, Business Management) were next as they tied for 20th at 151.  Assaud posted a 78 and a 73, while Galeazzi opened below par at two-under 70 and then added an 81 in his second 18 holes.

Austin Hafner (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Sports Management) tied for 40th at 161 (81-80), while Jonathan Jarvis (Sr., Burlington, Iowa, Business Management) wrapped up William Penn's scoring at 165 (81-84) to place 46th overall.

"As a team, we played well on a challenging course in a strong field," Head Coach Elise Warne said.  "Andon Herrera cemented himself as an excellent player with two rounds under par.  After a disappointing last tournament, we challenged our guys and they responded the way we wanted.  We have plenty of work to do, but I am happy with the progress."

Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa next Monday and Tuesday to host the Statesmen Invitational.  Play will be contested at Edmundson Golf Course.