By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

INDIO, Calif. -- The Willamette University women's golf team competed in the first round of the Bulldog Classic at Indian Springs Golf Club on Monday, March 26. The tournament is hosted by University of Redlands (Calif.). Action will conclude with the second round on Tuesday, March 27.

Maddi Barnett (Sr., Boise, ID/Timberline HS) led the Bearcats as she carded a score of 88. Lexi Towner (So., Chico, CA/Chico HS) shot a 95 and was closely followed by Kristen Barclay (So./Fr., Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) with a 96 and by Camy Pickworth (Fr., Columbus, OH/Columbus School for Girls) at 97. Katerin Vasquez (Fr., Indio, CA/Coachella Valley HS) shot a 114.

"The course played firm and fast today, much different then what we have been playing on in Oregon and Washington," Willamette Assistant Coach Ryan Melnychuk said. "It was hard at times and it showed in our scores, but the course is in great shape and the weather is fantastic. I think early tee times on Tuesday will suit us well, we can expect some better scores without that late afternoon wind."

Methodist University (N.C.) topped the team standings with a score of 305. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (Calif.) was second at 308. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) and Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.) were tied for third at 311. California Lutheran University held fifth place at 314. Willamette was 17th with a score of 376.

Three golfers were tied for the individual lead with scores of 1-over-par 73. They were Keilee Bessho from Hope International University (Calif.), Paige Church from Methodist and Caroline Ordian from Redlands.

Another three-way tie existed for fourth place. Johnna Beehner of Methodist, Priscilla Ki of Pomona-Pitzer and Nicole Lopes from Embry-Riddle each shot 74.  An additional five golfers were tied for seventh at 77. A total of 97 golfers are participating in the tournament.