SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. - Spencer Worley climbed two spots on the individual leaderboard on the final day of the Lincoln University Invitational, finishing 32nd in a primarily Division II field, while the Owls closed four shots on Fort Hays State University but couldn't overtake the Tigers for 11th. WWU posted a three-round total of 929 (312-311-306; +65) at the Club at Porto Cima to open the 2023-24 season.

In an otherwise volatile first day, William Woods put together a consistent first 36 holes, finishing in 12th place, just eight shots back from FHSU and within 10 shots of Washburn University. Over the final 18 holes, the Owls were able to gain ground on both MIAA schools, cutting the respective deficits in half, but WWU ran out of ground on the comeback attempt.

Worley was consistent across all three rounds, carding a 228 (76-77-75; +12) and moving up a pair of spots from day 1 to day 2, finishing level with FHSU's Cooper Scheck and Washburn's Kade Prentice. Aiden Asby also finished in the top half of the field, with his 230 (76-76-78; +14) good for 39th.

Tom Gehring was the biggest mover for William Woods, jumping 21 spots over three rounds, as he recovered from opening day struggles to finish with the best round of the tournament for WWU and a three-day card of 238 (81-83-74; +22). Jakob Ohrn (236 79-78-79; +20) and Theo Brown (240 81-80-79; +24) rounded out the roster for William Woods.

Next up for the Owls is the friendly confines of Tanglewood Golf Course, as WWU hosts its 2023 Fall Invitational next week. The two-day tournament gets underway with an 8 a.m. shotgun start Monday, Sept. 18.