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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University golfers Cody Plofker (Fr., Montclair, NJ/Montclair HS) and Jacob Simonson (So., Fairview, OR/Reynolds HS) each shot an 80 to earn part of a three-way tie for fourth place during the first day of the Salem Collegiate Cup on Monday, March 12. Corban University led the team standings, while Willamette was second and Pacific University was third.

The tournament, co-hosted by Willamette and Corban, began with 18 holes at Creekside Golf Club and will conclude with 18 holes at Illahe Hills Country Club on Tuesday (March 13).

Corban registered a team score of 314 for a 24-stroke lead. Willamette earned a score of 338, while Pacific achieved a score of 369. The teams battled rain and wind throughout the afternoon.

Chris Dudley of Corban topped the leaderboard after 18 holes with 2-over-par 74, helping the Warriors claim the best three scores in the opening round. Joey Duwe held second place with a 77 and Jared Lambert was third at 79.

Plofker and Simonson matched the 80 recorded by Pacific golfer Nolan Tippy, as all three athletes tied for fourth. Michael May of Corban was seventh at 84 and Roger Hults of Pacific was eighth with an 85.

Also contributing to Willamette's team score were Ryan Kukula (Fr., Ocean Park, WA/Ilwaco HS) and Kyle Derby (So., Oakdale, CA/Oakdale HS). Kukula carded an 86 and Derby shot 92. Kyle Flowers (So., Vancouver, WA/Skyview HS) of WU, who competed as an individual, shot 87. Kukula ranked ninth and Flowers was 10th in the medalist race.

Eight golfers participated for Willamette in the overall field of 18. Five of WU's golfers were designated as part of the official "team" with three golfers listed only in the individual standings.

The second round is scheduled to begin at Illahe Hills at 12 p.m. (PDT) on Tuesday if weather permits.