By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

ALOHA, Ore. -- Willamette University golfers Lexi Towner (Fr., Chico, CA/Chico HS) and Maddi Barnett (Jr., Boise, ID/Timberline HS) played 18 holes at the Culturame Classic on Friday, Sept. 30, during first round action at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club. The 36-hole tournament, hosted by George Fox University, is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Towner shot 89 for the Bearcats, while Barnett carded a 90. A total of 40 golfers from six colleges and universities are competing. 

Syndey Maluenda of George Fox topped the leaderboard at the end of the first day with a 4-under-par 69 on the par 73 course. Rachel Drgastin, also from GFU, was tied for second with a 75. Annie McCutchan from Lewis & Clark College matched Drgastin by also shooting a 75. Kari Gordon from University of Redlands (Calif.) and Jenna Jensen of Corban University were tied for fourth place at 76.

George Fox was in first place in the team standings with a score of 301. The Bruins led by nine strokes. Whitman College was second at 312. Redlands held third place at 318, just one shot in front of Corban, which was fourth at 319. Lewis & Clark followed in fifth place at 323 and Linfield College was sixth at 394. Willamette did not field a complete team.