Seelig Leads Bearcats in First Round of NWC Fall Classic

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Saida Seelig (Fy., Portland, OR/Wilson HS) shot a 98 to lead Willamette University in the first round of the 2022 Northwest Conference Fall Classic at Creekside Golf Club on Saturday, Oct. 8. Also competing for Willamette were Kennedy Raphelt (Jr.) and Mallory Tolliver (Fy., Columbus, OH/Upper Arlington HS). 

George Fox University led the team standings with a score of 290. The Bruins were in front by 30 strokes, over Whitworth University in second at 320. Pacific Lutheran University held third place at 328, while Whitman College was fourth at 338. Pacific University followed in fifth place at 351, the University of Puget Sound owned sixth place at 367, Linfield University was seventh at 371, and Lewis & Clark College was eighth at 470. Willamette did not enter a full team.

Seelig registered three birdies on Saturday, including each of the first two holes. She also birdied the 13th hole. Raphelt carded a score of 100, while Tolliver shot 101. Raphelt earned birdies on the fourth and 17th holes.

The individual leaderboard was topped by Avery Kageyama from George Fox with a score of 2-under par 70. She led a single stroke over teammate Makensie Toole, who shot 71. Liana Brown of GFU was third at 73 and Alison Takamiy was fourth for the Bruins at 76. Four golfers -- Emily Fisher from Pacific Lutheran, Cindy Luo of Whitman, and Brianna McNelly and Stacia Sarty of Whitworth -- were tied for fifth place at 79. Julia Diaz from Whitworth held ninth place with an 80. Rayleah Trice of PLU was 10th at 81.

Prior to the start of the tournament, construction near the 17th hole threatened to force a change in the schedule. Instead, a temporary green was prepared on the 17th hole and play proceeded as usual.

Action at the NWC Fall Classic will conclude with the second round, set for Sunday, Oct. 9. Tee times will start at 9 a.m. (PDT) and will continue until 11:10 a.m. For Willamette, Tolliver will start at 9 a.m., while Raphelt will begin the round at 9:10 a.m., and Seelig will get underway at 9:20 a.m.