Bearcats Hold Fifth Place after First Day at Culturame Classic

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

ALOHA, ORE. -- Willamette University was in fifth place when the first round of the Culturame Classic, hosted by George Fox University, ended on Friday, Oct. 14 at The Reserve Vineyards Golf Club. The University of Hawaii-Hilo topped the team standings.

Hawaii-Hilo shot a 299 for a solid 16-stroke lead over George Fox at 315. Linfield College was third at 329, with Biola University (Calif.) in fourth place at 341. Willamette was fifth at 362, one stroke in front of Northwest Christian, which ended the day in sixth place at 363. Pacific University was seventh at 372. Lewis & Clark College and Simpson College (Calif.) did not field complete teams.

The individual leaderboard was topped by Kristen Sawada from Hawaii-Hilo, who recorded an even-par 73. Three golfers tied for second place at 74, just one stroke behind Sawada. The tie included Dayna Bersamin of Hawaii-Hilo, Lauren Marlow of Biola, Kelsey Morrison from George Fox. Brinn Hovde of Linfield and Megan McGrew of GFU were tied for fifth place at 75.

Willamette's leader on Friday was freshman Mckenzie Weinhold (Placerville, CA/El Dorado HS/Univ. of Nevada-Reno. Weinhold shot an 82 and was in 15th place at the conclusion of the first round. Nicole Smith (Fr., Portland, OR/Westview HS) carded an 84 and was tied for 17th.

Other golfers competing for the Bearcats were Jenny Grauberger (Fr., Port Townsend, WA/Port Townsend HS), Mele Ana Kastner (Fr., Vancouver, WA/Columbia River HS) and Stephanie Swindell (Fr., Brush Prairie, WA/Hockinson HS). Grauberger and Kastner each shot 98, while Swindell finished at 105.

Action in the 36-hole tournament will conclude with the second round on Saturday, Oct. 15. Tee times are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. (PDT).