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

BEND, Ore. -- Willamette University, led by a strong performance from LettaJoe Gallup (Jr., Alameda, CA/Holy Names HS), is in front of Linfield College by five strokes after the first round of the Willamette Spring Thaw at Broken Top Club on Saturday, April 18. The Bearcats shot a team score of 368, while Linfield carded a score of 373.

Gallup registered a 79 to earn a five-stroke lead in the individual standings. Madeline Rice from Linfield is in second place with an 84, while Taneesh Sra (Jr., Fremont, CA/Mission San Jose HS) of Willamette is third with an 85.

Also competing for the Bearcats this weekend are Maddi Barnett (Fr., Boise, Idaho/Timberline HS) and Holly Steele (Fr., Stayton, OR/Stayton HS). Barnett shot a 94 and Steele shot 110.

Linfield's lineup, in addition to Rice, includes Maggie Harlow, Tiana Yamaoka, Laura Waller and Madison Bennink. Harlow carded an 89, while Yamaoka shot 99. Waller recorded a score of 101 and Bennink shot 137.

The Bearcats and the Wildcats will conclude the Willamette Spring Thaw with the final 18 holes on Sunday, April 19. Willamette's tee times for Sunday are Gallup and Sra at 10 a.m., Barnett at 10:09 a.m., and Steele at 10:18 a.m.