McMinnville, Ore. - Alexander Papajohn and Brock Olson carded even-par 72s on Sunday in the first round of the NWC Championship to help lead the Bearcats to a team score of 299, which placed them in a second-place tie with Whitman College and four strokes behind the host school, Linfield University. 

Papajohn had six birdies in his round, including four in his final nine holes, to lead Willamette in that category.  Oliver Smith was next with three birdies and finished his round with a score of 74, good for ninth place overall in the individual standings.  Papajohn and Olson are tied for fifth place, three strokes off the leader, Zack LaPlaca from Linfield.

Jack Carr provided the fourth score in the team total, shooting a 9-over 81 in the opening round.  Carr started the day with two consecutive birdies and birdied his final hole to pull Willamette into the tie with Whitman.  Kyler Phillips was the fifth team member and finished with a score of 84.

The final round of the NWC Championship will be played on Monday, April 21st.  Phillips will tee off first for Willamette at 9:45 am, with the rest of the team to follow.