By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
PLANO, Texas -- Willamette University earned a three-stroke lead at the top of the team standings on the first day of the Texas Cup in men's golf on Saturday, March 19 at The Courses at Watters Creek. The Bearcats shot a team score of 286, while the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas) carded a 289 to hold second place. Texas Lutheran University was in third place at 292 and the University of Texas-Dallas owned fourth place at 293. Concordia University (Texas) held fifth place at 295.
Andrew Kibbee (Sr., Kenmore, WA/Bothell HS) of Willamette shot a 68 and was tied for first place in the individual standings. William Sammons of Mary Hardin-Baylor also registered a 68. Paxton Jones (Fy., Wellington, NZ/Scots College) from Willamette carded a 69 with six birdies and was in third place. Ryan Kropp from UT-Dallas, Cameron Carter of Texas Lutheran, and Parker Mitas from Mary Hardin-Baylor were tied for fourth place at 1-under par 71. Fourteen golfers were tied for seventh place at 73.
Willamette's team entry also includes Austin Davis (Sr., Culver City, CA/Culver City HS), Riley Lankford (Sr., Pilot Rock, OR/Pilot Rock HS), and Alex Weirth (Sr., Port Orchard, WA/Crosspoint Academy). Davis was tied for 21st with a score of 74, while Lankford was tied for 31st with a 75. Weirth carded an 81.
Competing as individuals for the Bearcats were Aunders Erickson (Grad., Portland, OR/Westview HS/Ohio Wesleyan Univ.), Jack McMullin (So., Seattle, WA/Roosevelt HS), and Carlos Cortes Dequidt (Jr., San Diego, CA/Torrey Pines HS). Erickson ended the round at 82. McMullin shot an 83 and Cortes Dequidt shot an 84.
"Round 1 started at 7:45 a.m. (Central Time) and it was about 45 degrees. It was cold," Willamette Head Men's Golf Coach Patrick Daugherty said. "I thought we got off to an OK start. Playing a new course out of state can be tricky sometimes. The guys adjusted really well to the quick temperature change and the speed of the greens throughout the day.
"Paxton had a really nice back nine (five birdies)," Daugherty continued. "And Andrew putted lights out. He'd tell you it wasn't always pretty, but the flatstick was rolling today. Austin and Riley both had good rounds. Alex didn't have the best day, which happens, but the guys around him rallied ... which is why college golf is so great. There is an amazing team component to it."
Seventeen teams with a total 99 golfers are competing at the tournament. Action will conclude with the second round on Sunday, March 20.
