April 20, 2008

Linfield Takes First Round Lead at NWC Championship

First Day Scores

YAKIMA, Wash. - Linfield made a strong move toward winning the 2008 Northwest Conference men's golf title on Saturday, shooting an even-par 288 during the opening round of the Northwest Conference Championship being held at Apple Tree Golf Club.

The Wildcats came into the season-ending tournament tied with Pacific and Whitworth for the conference lead, each with 14 points based on finishes in the NWC Fall Classic and NWC Spring Classic. Linfield takes an 11-stroke advantage over Pacific (299) and a large 19-stroke margin over Whitworth (307) going into Sunday's final 18 holes.

Andrew Fitch led Linfield with a 3-under-par 69, while both Tyler Nelson and Kyle Henderson carded even-par 72s. Kevin Duerr had a 75 for the Wildcats.

Other first round team scores showed Puget Sound with 305, Pacific Lutheran 314, Willamette 321, George Fox 341, Lewis & Clark 344 and Whitman 359.

Pacific's Max Bonk had the best first-day round, firing a 4-under-par 68. Linfield's Andrew Fitch is one stroke back, followed by PLU's Chris Packard and Nelson and Henderson from Linfield at 72. Tim Bartz from Puget Sound is five strokes back of the leader after an opening-round 73.

- NWC -