By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Andrew Kibbee (Jr., Kenmore, WA/Bothell HS) from Willamette University has been named the Northwest Conference Men's Golf Student-Athlete of the Week after taking first place and leading the Bearcats to the team title at the NWC Spring Classic on Saturday, April 3 and Sunday, April 4. Kibbee finished at 5-under par 139 to win by three strokes, as he carded a 67 in the first round and a 72 on Sunday.

Kibbee's 36-hole score included one eagle, nine birdies, 21 pars, four bogeys, and just one double bogey. His eagle occurred in the first round with a 3 on the par-5 15th hole.

In three tournaments so far this season, Kibbee has recorded rounds at even-par or below par in four of six rounds. He leads the Bearcats with a 72.50 unadjusted stroke average.

Willamette earned the team title with a score of 578 after shooting a 285 on Saturday and a 293 on Sunday. The Bearcats won by 12 strokes over Pacific Lutheran University, which took second place at 600 (290-300).

"Andrew is very talented and capable of winning anywhere," Willamette Head Men's Golf Coach Patrick Daugherty said. "He felt like one slipped away at the Fall Classic, and I thought he had a good plan going into this past weekend and stuck with it. When he needed to make a par he did. I'm super happy for him, and it will only build his confidence going into the championship weekend. I really think we have a number of guys who can win each week and right now Kibbee is hot."

The NWC Spring Classic is worth one-fourth of the overall NWC Championship. With the win, Willamette is tied with Pacific Lutheran for the lead after two of the three NWC events. PLU won the NWC Fall Classic, also worth one-fourth of the championship, while the Bearcats grabbed second place. If either team wins the NWC Tournament, worth one-half of the overall title, that team will claim the NWC Championship. Other scenarios are possible, but Willamette and Pacific Lutheran are the only teams that can win the championship without help from other squads. The NWC Tournament will be held on April 17 and April 18 at Kalispel Golf and Country Club in Spokane, Washington.