Kukula Achieves a 78 in Second Round, Ties for Sixth at Willamette Invitational

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Ryan Kukula (Fr., Ocean Park, WA/Ilwaco HS) of Willamette University shot a 78 in the second round of the Willamette Invitational on Sunday, April 15 to finish the tournament tied for sixth place at 158. Kukula and teammate Jonathan Ross (Fr., Tukwila, WA/foster HS), who also carded a 78 on Sunday, were two of seven golfers to break 80 in the second round.

Linfield College earned the team championship with a two-day score of 602 (300-302). George Fox University was second at 641 (315-326), Willamette claimed third place at 661 (333-328) and the Linfield "B" team was fourth at 665 (329-336).

The Wildcats from Linfield also garnered the top five individual finishes.

Alex Fitch achieved medalist honors as he shot a 3-under-par 141 for 36 holes (69-72). Fitch recorded the low round each day and won the tournament by 13 strokes. A.J. Taylor held second place at 154 (78-76), while Tommy Schmitz was third at 156 (79-77). Taylor Klopp (74-83) and Connor Magnuson (80-77) completed Linfield's top-five sweep by tying for fourth at 157.

Kukula and Chris Lumsden from George Fox tied for sixth place, as both golfers carded 80-78. Mike Ulstad of GFU was eighth at 159 (76-83), Ross of Willamette was ninth at 160 (82-78) and Taylor Pirnke from the Linfield "B" team was 10th at 162 (78-84).

Joining Kukula and Ross with 36-hole totals for the Bearcats were Cody Plofker (Fr., Montclair, NJ/Monclair HS) and Jeffrey Lewis (Fr., Eugene, OR/Sheldon HS). Plofker finished at 166 after shooting 83-83. Lewis carded a total of 177 (88-89).

Willamette will compete at the Northwest Conference Championship Tournament on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 at Canyon Lake Golf Course in Kennewick, Wash. The tournament is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. (PDT) on Saturday and at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday.