LA QUINTA—The Chico State men's golf team's bid for a third tournament title in 2022–23 came up short Wednesday during final round action at the Battle in the Desert in La Quinta. The Wildcats started the final 18 holes of play just one stroke off the lead, but a collective 13-over par 301 scuttled their chances for top honors at the PGA West Resort Pete Dye Mountain course. The 'Cats finished the tournament in fourth place with a 72-hole team score of 9-over 873.
 
Tyler Ashman and Dakota Ochoa scored top 10 finishes on the individual leader board. Ashman collected six birdies and carded a final round score of 2-over par 74 Wednesday, and wrapped up the Battle in the Desert with sole possession of fifth place with a three-day total of 1-under 215. Ashman totaled 15 birdies in the tournament.
 
Ochoa earned a share of seventh place in the 80-player field with a three-round score of 1-over par 217. In Wednesday's final round, Ochoa played at 2-under through his first nine holes, finishing the day with four birdies and a 1-under 71.
 
Giuliano Kaminski couldn't duplicate Tuesday's score of 69, wrapping up the Battle in the Desert Wednesday with a final round 82. His three-day total of 7-over par 223 was good for a share of 35th place.
 
Mark Noonan and Naoki Easterday tied for 43rd place overall, finishing the 72-hole tournament with a 9-over par 225. Noonan shot a 77 Wednesday, while Easterday carded a 79.
 
The California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) dominated the Battle in the Desert, with the conference claiming the top six positions on the team leader board. Cal State East Bay was the winner with a three-day total of 4-over par 868, one shot better than runner-up Cal State San Bernardino (5-over 869). Cal State Monterey Bay (+7 871) placed third, followed by Chico State (873) in fourth, Sonoma State (878) in fifth, and Cal State San Marcos (881) in sixth.
 
John Kim of Cal State San Bernardino won medalist honors with a 72-hole score of 6-under par 210, beating Cal State East Bay's Easton Hether and Stanislaus State's Nathan Jetton by one stroke.
 
The Wildcats will take next week off before resuming play March 13–14 as part of the Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout at Corica Park in Alameda.
 
CHICO STATE GIVING DAY IS 3.1.23

Today is Chico State Giving Day. The support of our Wildcat Family over the years has helped propel our student-athletes' excellence.
 
Since the effort began in 2017, the impact of our supporters is unmatched, generously donating $529,743 during that span.
 
Chico State Athletics is about:

• Excelling academically.
• Contributing in the community.
• Conquering in competition.

During Giving Day 2022, 660 donors gave 876 gifts for a grand total of $123,537 in support our student-athletes and to plant seeds for an even brighter future.
 
Please help us aim even higher with your gift during Chico State Giving Day 2023 on March 1. Donate to your favorite athletics program or contribute to our priority funds.
 
Your gift to the Wildcat Athletic Fund (which provides for the department's greatest overall needs), Student-Athlete Success, and/or your favorite program, gets us a crucial step closer to the next special moment for our Wildcat Family.
 
You can also help us make this the most successful year yet by becoming a Giving Day Ambassador for a team you care about. Your participation makes a significant difference and inspires others to give a gift.
 
We go farther together than we do alone. Thank you!