Oct. 14, 2003

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University freshman Katie Bender (Tacoma/Bellarmine) took medalist honors by shooting a 5-over par 78, helping the Vikings win a three-way women's golf match Tuesday with University of British Columbia and University of Victoria at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club.

Western, ranked No.9 nationally in the latest Golfstat poll, had a score of 328, two strokes better than British Columbia. Victoria was third at 353.

"It was good to get a match in," said Western coach Dean Russell. "We hadn't played in a couple of weeks.

"I was very proud of the team, especially with Kelly (White) having an off day and Sarah (Cooper) not being in the lineup. Everybody supported one another."

Bender, who helped Bellarmine Prep to the Class 4A state title last spring as she finished 15th individually, was one of just two players to break 80. The other was teammate Sarah Cooper (Sr., Marysville/Archbishop Murphy), playing as an individual, who shot 79.

The Vikings' Candice Wagner (So., Milton/Fife) carded an 82, with Kate Menlove (Jr., Bellevue/Interlake) and Katja Trygg (So., Bainbridge Island) each shooting 84s. Kelly White (Sr., Monroe) shot 87 and Emily Balch (So., Everett/Kamiak), playing as an individual, had 96.

Western next competes in the San Diego State Invitational on Oct. 20-22.

BRITISH COLUMBIA - 330
Morgan Lederhouse 80
Jana Haggins 81
Julia Pilliar 87
Erica Bennett 82

VICTORIA - 353
Kara Koszman 87
Crystal Buchan 90
Krystal Kay 87
Karin Fedoruk 89
Kristen DeGirolamo 98

WESTERN WASHINGTON - 328
Kelly White 87
Candice Wagner 82
Katja Trygg 84
Kate Menlove 84
Katie Bender 78

Emily Balch 96
Sarah Cooper 79