Lange Wins Title at TPC Deere Run Invite

Silvis, Ill.--In what was an unofficial national tournament preview, the William Penn women's golf team proved it belongs in the conversation as it competed at the weather-shortened TPC Deere Run Invitational Monday.

Due to freezing temperatures, the event was shortened from three rounds to just one. WPU, led by individual medalist Olivia Lange (So., Buckeburg, Germany, Business Management), finished in a tie for fourth out of 20 teams with a score of 338 at the par-72 TPC Deere Run Golf Course. #19 Cumberlands (Ky.) won the team crown at 324, while #3 Dalton State (Ga.) was runner-up at 334 and #13 SCAD Savannah (Ga.) was third at 335.

The field was stacked with talent, featuring 13 programs from the top 25. William Penn not only tied #6 Cumberland (Tenn.), but defeated nine ranked foes, including #7 William Carey (Miss.) and #9 Taylor (Ind.).

Lange topped the 100-player field at four-over 76. It is her second tourney crown in a row and the second overall this season for the sophomore.

"Olivia had an epic effort," Head Coach Elise Warne said. "We are so proud of her."

Gabriana Franco (Fr., Tracy, Calif., Exercise Science) was also in the mix, tying for 10th overall at 81.

The rest of the lineup unfortunately struggled in the frigid conditions at the the difficult track. Jaclyn Wojciechowski (Sr., Graytown, Ohio, Business Management) tied for 43rd at 88, while Carlee Frayne (Jr., Garner, Iowa, Sport Management) carded a 93 to tie for 73rd.

Courtney Jackson (Sr., Liberty Lake, Wash., Digital Communication) wrapped up the team scoring at 94 to tie for 77th.

Grace Butler (Jr., Arnolds Park, Iowa, Engineering) played as an individual, tying for 96th at 103.

"We have had this tournament bookmarked all fall," Warne said. "The opportunity to get to play against some of the best schools in the country at the national championship site is the highlight of the season. We knew the scores would be a little higher with the cold conditions and so our focus was to be the team that handled it the best."

"The scores do not accurately represent how tough it was out there," Warne said. "Finishing fourth is a real achievement. This was another test in which we came away with a lot of lessons. It gives us some great confidence heading into the conference preview tournament next week."

Next Up: William Penn closes its fall campaign next Monday and Tuesday, traveling to Moravia to host the Heart Preview. Play will be contested at The Preserve Golf Course.