By Sara Elcano, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

REDMOND, ORE. -- The Willamette University men's golf team is in eighth place after the first day of competition at the Northwest Conference Fall Classic on Saturday, Oct. 23. Jacob Simonson (Fr., Fairview, OR/Reynolds HS) is tied for fourth place after shooting a first round of 78 to lead Willamette.

Simonson trails Max Bonk of Pacific University. Bonk sits in first place after carding a 73. Alex Fitch of Linfield College is in second place with a first round of 76. He leads third place Andrew Welch of Whitman College by one stroke.

The University of Puget Sound has the lead in the team standings with score of 320. Linfield, Pacific and Whitworth University are in a three-way tie for second place after each team completed the first round with scores of 330. Whitman is fifth at 339.

The Missionaries have a one stroke lead over George Fox University and Pacific Lutheran University, who are in a two-way tie for sixth place at 340. The Bearcats carded a 356 and are in eighth place. Lewis & Clark College is in ninth place after carding an opening round 380.

The Bearcats will conclude play at the Northwest Conference Fall Classic in Redmond, Ore., on Sunday, Oct. 24. The tournament is being held at the Juniper Golf Course.