WWU golf teams sweep Spring Invite championships

No matter the hue, the William Woods University men's and women's golf teams dominated their own WWU Spring Invitational.

The "Burgundy" squads for the second-ranked William Woods men and sixth-ranked women swept the titles of their own tournament that wrapped up Tuesday at Tanglewood Golf Course.

The "Burgundy" Owls secured the team title with an 8-under par 568 (287-281). William Woods' "Green" squad came in a close second with an even-par 576 (291-285), while its "White" team finished fifth with a 640 (313-327).

In the women's division, the "Burgundy" Lady Owls claimed the team championship with an 8-over par 584 (294-290). William Woods' "Green squad took fourth place with a 688 (338-350).

Owls freshman Will Rushworth locked up the men's individual title by shooting a tournament-record, 10-under par 134 (67-67). Sophomore Billy McKenzie, who Tuesday was named the American Midwest Conference men's golfer of the week, was second with a 138 (69-69).

Senior Julian Taylor (69-72), sophomore David Houlding (73-68) and freshman Mark Martin (68-73) shared third place with a trio of 141s. Freshman Jack Clarkson placed sixth with a 147 (76-71) and another freshman, Brendan Lindsay, was seventh with a 149 (76-73).

Senior Stan Gautier (79-72) and freshman Alasdair McDougall (76-75) tied for ninth place, while sophomore Matt Wells compiled a 154 (80-74). Sophomore Bryan Mach finished 13th with a 155 (80-75).

Senior Alex Stear tied for 16th with a 156 (81-75), while senior Dillon Klein placed 25th with a 166 (79-87). Junior Damon Burrow was 27th with a 170 (89-81).

Sophomore Jordan Russell finished 29th with a 173 (79-94) and freshman Nic Keithley took 30th with a 180 (89-91).

Meanwhile, Lady Owls freshman Celia Mansour captured the women's individual championship with a 3-under par 141 (70-71). Junior Myriam Hassan was a shot back in second place with a 142 (74-68), while freshman Megan Cullen came in third with a 145 (74-71).

Junior Jodie Peacock finished fourth with a 146 (70-76) and freshman Katie Warren - the AMC women's golfer of the week - placed fifth with a 151 (76-75). Junior Alejandra Ferrer tied for sixth with a 156 (77-79), while senior Cassie Kennedy finished 28th with a 179 (85-94).

Sophomore Sadie Votruba also shot a 181 (93-88) and junior Kelli Mulligan took 46th with a 202 (105-97).

Rushworth, McKenzie, Taylor, Houlding and Martin were named to the men's all-tournament team, while Mansour, Hassan, Cullen, Warren and Peacock were picked on the women's all-tournament team.

The William Woods women will seek their fourth straight team championship when they compete April 13-14 at the Indiana State Spring Invite. The William Woods men will pursue a third team title in a row when they play April 20-21 at the BEU/Mussatto Invitational in Macomb, Illinois.