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

BANKS, ORE. -- The Willamette University men's golf team was in fourth place at the end of the first day of the Boxer Classic on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Quail Valley Golf Course. Corban University topped the standings with a score of 299. Jared Lambert of Corban held the individual lead with a score of 2-under-par 70.

Corban held a slim two-stroke lead over Linfield College at 301 and a six-stroke lead over Whitman College at 305. Willamette followed at 325, while Pacific University was fifth at 341. Lewis & Clark College was sixth with a score of 357.

Lambert's 70 placed him atop the leaderboard by a single stroke. Taylor Klopp from Linfield was second with 1-under-par 71. Evan Dyar of Whitman was in third place with a 73, while Geoff Burks of Whitman and Zach Mode of Corban were tied for fourth place at 74.

Ryan Kukula (So., Ocean Park, WA/Ilwaco HS) was Willamette's top performer in the first round. He shot a 78 and was part of a four-way tie for 11th place. Jeffrey Lewis (So., Eugene, OR/Sheldon HS) and Cody Plofker (So., Montclair, NJ/Montclair HS) were tied with two other golfers for 15th place at 79. Jonathan Ross (Jr., Tukwila, WA/Foster HS) shot an 89.

Action in the Boxer Classic will continue on Sunday, Sept. 23 with the second round, which will complete the 36-hole tournament.