BELLINGHAM, Washington—The members of the Chico State men's golf team plan to be one of the top West Region's top achievers in 2022–23. On the second day of the season, Tuesday's final round of Western Washington Invitational, the Wildcats showed they have the talent that will take. Chico State shot a collective 1-under par, posting one of only two sub-par rounds on the day, to finish sixth out of 17 teams in the two day, 54-hole event at Bellingham Golf and Country Club.
 
Bouncing back from Monday's struggles to lead the Wildcats, Tyler Ashman carded the tournament's low round of the day: a 68 that featured three birdies and an eagle. Dakota Ochoa remained steady, shooting his second 71 of the tournament, to finish tied for ninth in the 91-man field. Promising newcomer Naoki Easterday birdied three of his final six holes to post a final-round 73.
 
Chico State entered the final round tied for 8^th and moved up two spots Tuesday. Host Western Washington won the event at 12-under par. Cal State Dominguez Hills, led by individual medalist Andy Yoon (-8), finished second at 7-under par. Holy Names (-4), Simon Fraser (-3), the University of Victoria (+7), and Chico State (+8) followed.
 
Ochoa's top-10 finish was his third in the Wildcats' last four events, dating back to last season. The sophomore shot 71-73-71 to finish 1-under par. Ashman (78-74-68) soared 27 spots up the leaderboard into a six-way tie for 31^st at 4-over par that included teammates  Easterday (73-74-73) and Mark Noonan (73-72-75). Travis Miller (75-80-76) tied for 63^rd at 15-over par.
 
The Wildcats are back in action October 10-11 when they host the Wildcat Classic at Peach Tree Golf & Country Club in Marysville.