SEASIDE, CALIF. – The Chico State men's golf team opened play Monday at the Otter Invitational, hosted by Cal State Monterey Bay at Bayonet and Blackhorse Golf Course. After posting an even-par 288 in the first round under calm, sunny skies, the Wildcats battled wind and rain in the afternoon, carding a 316 (+28) to sit in eighth place in the 16-team field heading into Tuesday's final round.

Senior Naoki Easterday led the Wildcats with a steady 1-under par 71 in the morning and is currently 4-over in his second round, which was suspended due to darkness. Easterday sits tied for ninth on the leaderboard as play resumes Tuesday morning.

Senior Giuseppe Aliotti posted a strong 2-under 70 in the opening round followed by a 80 (+8) in the wet and windy afternoon. Reflecting on his play, Aliotti said he "felt good off the tee and put myself in position to go at these tucked pins." He added that staying patient and focusing on good speed on the greens "allowed some putts to drop" during the morning round. Aliotti sits tied for 19th overall.

Senior Ben Mouser opened with an even-par 72 to sit in a tie for 44th, while junior Alex LemMon shot a 75 (+3) in the first round and is currently 6-over in his unfinished second round, placing him tied for 42nd.

Sophomore Ethan Allred posted rounds of 75-88 to sit in 82nd place. Junior Cooper Hambrick, competing as an individual, shot 80 (+8) in the first round and followed with a 75 (+3) in the second to move into a tie for 52nd.

The Wildcats will return to Bayonet and Blackhorse Golf Course on Tuesday to complete the final round of the Otter Invitational, wrapping up their fall segment of the 2025–26 season.