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

SALEM, ORE. -- Led by Nicole Smith (Fr., Portland, OR/Westview HS) the Willamette University women's golf team was in second place as the first round ended at the Willamette Invitational on Saturday, April 14 at Illahe Hills Country Club. Smith shot an 83 for Willamette's low round of the day, as she held fifth place heading into the second round.

George Fox University topped the team standings after 18 holes with a score of 322. Willamette was second at 348 and Linfield College was third at 360. Lewis & Clark College did not field a complete team.

During Saturday's competition, George Fox achieved the top four scores on the individual leaderboard.

Kelsey Morrison was in first place at 75. Megan McGrew owned second place at 81, while Loreece Magsanide and Abby Mann were tied for third at 82. Smith and her score of 83 were followed by Jill Westendorf of George Fox in sixth place with an 84.

LettaJoe Gallup (Fr., Alameda, CA/Holy Names HS) of Willamette was tied for seventh place with Hannah Christianson from Linfield, as both shot an 87.

Willamette's McKenzie Weinhold (Fr., Placerville, CA/El Dorado HS/Univ. of Nevada-Reno) was tied for ninth at 88 and Mele Ana Kastner (Fr., Vancouver, WA/Columbia River HS) of WU was tied for 11th at 90.

The tournament will conclude on Sunday, April 15 with the second round. Women's tee times will start at 1 p.m.