KANSAS --   Friends University juniors Bernhard Koster and Jessica Applegarth are each the top golfers in the KCAC this week, the conference office announced today (Sept. 7). Koster is the KCAC Men's Golfer of the Week, while Applegarth secures the KCAC Women's Golfer of the Week nod.

In a competitive field that featured six current NAIA Top 25 teams, Koster finished tied for seventh individually to help the No. 2-ranked Falcons finish tied for second overall.

An NAIA All-American and All-Tournament performer last season, Koster shot three under in the first round, one over in the second and then finished strong with a one under par showing in the final round.

"Bernhard had a good week to start the season at Sand Creek," said Friends men's golf head coach Tom McCurdy. "He was steady throughout but had a strong finish of three consecutive birdies in the final round. When he fires on all cylinders he will be a threat to win any tournament he is in!"

Playing in her first career tournament as a Falcon, Applegarth made a strong first impression with a runner-up finish at the Friends Fall Invite.

After shooting 11 over in the first round, Applegarth caught fire and shot a tournament-best one over par in the second round, five strokes better than anyone in the field. Applegarth helped the Falcons finish second overall as a team.

"We are so happy to have Jessica as part of our team!" said Friends women's golf head coach Scott Moshier. "To see her step in and make such an incredible impact in her very first tournament was truly something special. Her work ethic, determination, and the way she grinds it out on the course and during drills at practice are exactly what we want to see. We know there are big things ahead for Jessica and for all the girls on our team. We are truly blessed to have Jessica with us and proud to call her a Falcon!"

Both Falcon Golf teams will next be in action in Wichita at the Crestview Country Club on Sept. 14-15.