Ali Miller Sept. 12, 2008

Dutch win rain-shortened tourney

 PELLA—Nicole Wenstrand (sophomore, Essex) slogged her way to an 85 to help the Central College women’s golf team capture the rain-shortened Central Fall Invitatonal Friday.

After nearly 4 inches of rain fell in 24 hours, Saturday's round scheduled for Edmundson Golf Course in Oskaloosa was cancelled because the course was deemed unplayable.

Steady rain drenched the players at Pella’s Bos Landen Golf Club Friday but the Dutch still managed a 359. Central’s second unit, the White squad, was next with 382 followed by Simpson College at 389, William Penn University at 430, Buena Vista University at 448 and Grand View College at 449.

Wenstrand, who missed last weekend’s Wartburg Invitational because of illness, holds a 1-shot lead over freshman Sarah Paulson (Ottumwa) who is tied with Simpson’s Megan Smith at 86.

“Nicole played very solid,” coach Jodee Schaben said. “She lost four or five putts on the lip but she was striking the ball very well. It was raining but she just went out and played her game.”

Eva Downes (junior, Woodstock, Ill., Marion Catholic Central HS) and Abby Lukensmeyer (freshman, Hampton, Hampton-Dumont HS) each shot 94 and Jacquelyn Mauk (freshman, Clive, Valley HS) had 100.

Allison Crooks (sophomore, Moline, Ill.) topped the White team, tying for fifth at 92 with Ali Miller (freshman, Davenport, North HS) tying for seventh at 94. Lindsey Ellenson (sophomore, Amana, Clear Creek-Amana HS) had 97, Paige Blythe (freshman, Orange City, MOC-Floyd Valley HS) shot 99 and Molly O’Brien (sophomore, Clarion, Clarion-Goldfield HS) shot 114. Janelle Stevens (sophomore, West Bend, West Bend-Mallard HS) was an at-large entry and shot 103.

“It was a very tough day,” Schaben said. “The players got absolutely no roll in the fairway and there was standing water on the greens. They were pretty much soaked after three or four holes.

“But our players had great attitudes. They all came up (No.) 18 drenched but smiling. I think that made a difference.”