Bearcats Hold Lead after First Day of Willamette Invitational in Women's Golf

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

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's golf team is in first place with a commanding lead over Pacific University following the first day of the Willamette Invitational on Saturday, March 2 at the Illahe Hills Country Club. Willamette registered a team score of 336, while Pacific ended the first round with a score of 386.

A trio of Oregon State University golfers hold the top individual positions, but the Beavers are not entered as a team.

Melissa Gibbons and Chelsey Lind, both from OSU, are tied for the lead after each carded an 80 in the opening round. Rachael Fischer from OSU was third with an 81, while Elise Levy (Fr., Reno, NV/Bishop Monague HS) of Willamette was fourth with an 82.

Mckenzie Weinhold (So., Placerville, CA/El Dorado HS/Univ. of Nevada-Reno) from Willamette and Lauren Fischer from Oregon State were tied for fifth place at 83.

Willamette's team total included four scores in the 80s. In addition to the rounds provided by Levy and Weinhold, the Bearcats also received an 84 from Taneesh Kaur Sra (Fr., Fremont, CA/Mission San Jose HS) and an 87 from LettaJoe Gallup (So., Alameda, CA/Holy Names HS).

The Willamette Invitational will conclude on Sunday, March 3 with the final 18 holes. The women's golfers will tee off first on Sunday, with the men's golfers to follow. Action will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. (PST).