Lange, William Penn Win Second Tourney in a Row

Wilmington, Ill.--Olivia Lange (Sr., Buckeburg, Germany, Business Management) and the William Penn women's golf team doubled up in numerous way Monday and Tuesday as they won the Bill Johnson Memorial hosted by Olivet Nazarene.

The Statesmen were first out of five teams with a two-round score of 646 (319-327) at the par-72 Cinder Ridge Golf Course.  Host Olivet Nazarene was second at 670 (327-343).

The crown is not only WPU's second of the fall, but also its second-straight title.  Lange is now a two-time winner this season as well, having also won the past two tournaments.  All seven Statesmen competing managed to place in the top 14.

The senior topped the 35-player field at 150 (75-75), taking the gold by seven strokes.  On a course that did not offer many birdie opportunities, Lange was solid throughout, finishing the first round with one birdie against four bogeys.  Tuesday's final round did not see the senior post any birdies, but she also did not get into much trouble, recording just three bogeys.

Emma Lawson (Sr., Rossville, Ind., Exercise Science) was in the top five as well, tying for fourth at 163 (77-86).

Gabriana Franco (Jr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) guided the remaining varsity participants at 167 (87-80) to take 11th, while Riley Burns (Sr., Edwardsville, Ill., Elementary Education) was 13th at 171 (85-86).

Sarah Gutuza (Fr., Germiston, South Africa, Political Science) rounded out the lineup in 14th at 172 (82-92).

A pair of Statesmen also competed as individuals and made strong cases for the varsity lineup as Bliss Martin (Jr., Hamilton, Ill., Biology) earned third place at 160 (80-80), while Grace Butler (Sr., Arnolds Park, Iowa, Biology) tied for ninth at 166 (83-83).

"This was another great outing by the ladies," Head Coach Elise Ibrahim said.  "It was not our strongest performance, however, as we have a lot of small improvements we can make for the last two tournaments of the fall.  Olivia Lange showed her experience with another win, while Emma Lawson had another strong event.  Bill Martin and Grace Butler both deserve special mentions for their play, showing the depth that this group has.  We are excited to head back to TPC Deere Run in a couple weeks."

Next Up: William Penn travels to Silvis, Ill. in two weeks, hosting the TPC Deere Run Invitational on October 14-15 at TPC Deere Run Golf Course.