Smith Cards an 80 to Lead WU Women's Golf on First Day of Pacific Invitational

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

BANKS, ORE. -- Members of the Willamette University women's golf team combined for a score of 340 to move into fourth place during the first round of the Pacific Invitational at the Quail Valley Golf Course on Saturday, Sept. 24. Nicole Smith (Fr.) led the Bearcats with a score of 80 to tie for seventh place with one round to go.

Mckenzie Weinhold (Fr.) added an 82 for Willamette, while Lettajoe Gallup (Fr.) shot 88. Mele Ana Kastner (Fr.) and Jenny Grauberger (Fr.) each carded a 90.

George Fox University topped the team standings with a score of 316. The Bruins owned a 2-stroke advantage over Whitworth University, which ended the day in second place at 318. Whitman College was third at 330, with Willamette in fourth at 340 and Linfield College in fifth at 343. Corban University was fifth with a score of 362 and Pacific University was sixth at 390.

The individual leader was Emily Guthrie of Whitworth, who shot a 1-over-par 73. Megan McGrew of George Fox was second at 74. Two other GFU golfers, Loreece Magsanide and JIll Westendorf were tied for third place at 78. Nicole Lomax and Elizabeth Martin, both from Whitworth, ended the day tied for fifth at 79.

Smith of Willamette and three other athletes were tied for seventh. Joining Smith with an 80 for the round were Whitney Jammerman of George Fox, Alexandria Smith of Linfield and Elaine Whaley from Whitman.

The final day of the 36-hole event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25.