By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Preston Lightle (Fy., Victoria, BC, Canada/Belmont Senior Secondary School) of Willamette University has been named the Northwest Conference Men's Golf Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts at the Willamette Valley Cup on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17. Lightle tied for first place during regulation with a score of 139 and took second place after losing on the first playoff hole.

Lightle registered a 1-over par 73 in the first round of the Willamette Valley Cup and carded the tournament's low round with a 6-under par 66 in the second round. He lost in the playoff to Bryden Brown from Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho), who also shot 139. Lightle and Brown finished three strokes in front of two golfers tied for third place.

With his 66 in the second round, Lightle helped Willamette move up from eighth place in the team standings after 18 holes into third place in the final standings. Willamette shot 583 (301-282) for the 36 holes, as the Bearcats improved by 19 strokes in the second round. The Bearcats completed the tournament just two strokes behind Whitworth University (581) in second place and nine strokes behind Lewis-Clark State (574) in first place.

Willamette will participate in the George Fox Invitational on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. The tournament will be held at Arrowhead Golf Club in Molalla, Oregon.