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

FIRCREST, WASH. -- Willamette University golfer Ryan Kukula (Jr., Ocean Park, WA/Ilwaco HS) shot a 76 on the first day of the UPS Invitational on Saturday, March 8 and was tied for sixth place, just three stroke behind the leader. Derek Wilson from the University of Puget Sound carded a 2-over-par 73 for a one-stroke lead. Willamette was fifth in the team standings.

The Fircrest Golf Club is the host site for the tournament, which is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, March 9 with the second round. A total of 40 golfers on eight teams are competing.

Wilson was followed on the leaderboard by three golfers tied for second at 74. Involved in the tie were Adam Bean from Puget Sound, Drew Groshong from Lewis & Clark College, and Justin Lee of Pacific Lutheran University.

Taylor Klopp from Linfield College owned sole possession of fifth place after carding a 75. Kukula was joined in the tie for sixth place at 76 by Pacific Lutheran golfer Seth Nickerson and by Andrew Welch from Whitman College.

In addition to Kukula, golfers representing Willamette were Jacob Armelino (Fr., Redding, CA/University Prep), Clark Wilson (Fr., Ocean Park, WA/Ilwaco HS), Steven Rodriguez (So., Red Bluff, CA/Mercy HS) andChase Lamothe (Fr., Corvallis, OR/Corvallis HS).

Armelino and Clark Wilson each shot an 80 and were tied for 20th overall. Rodriguez completed the round with an 82, while Chase Lamothe shot an 83.

Puget Sound led the team standings at 302. Pacific Lutheran was second at 309, with Whitworth University in third place at 311. Lewis & Clark shot 317 and was in fourth place, only one stroke in front of Willamette in fifth at 318. Linfield was sixth at 319, while Whitman was seventh at 325 and George Fox University was eighth at 360.