By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University golfer Lexi Towner (Jr., Chico, CA/Chico HS) has been chosen as the Northwest Conference Women's Golf Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts at the Pacific Spring Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 23 and Sunday, Feb. 24. The tournament was held at Quail Valley Golf Course in Banks, Oregon.

Towner shot a 36-hole score of 171 to tie for sixth place with two other golfers. The top five positions on the individual leader board went to golfers from University of Victoria (B.C., Canada), as the Vikes claimed the team championship. Towner shot a 90 in the first round and was in 10th place. She improved by nine strokes in the second round to 81, and moved up four spots into the tie for sixth. Her 81 on Sunday was the fourth-best round of the day and was the sixth lowest round of the tournament.

"Lexi's game has really come around," Willamette Head Coach Patrick Daugherty said. "She's been working on all the right things, and I think it's a great start to the spring for her. We're really proud of Lexi and excited about this tournament season."

Willamette's next competition will be at the Regal Invitational hosted by California Lutheran University on March 10-12. The tournament will be played at Sunset Hills Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California.