BOULDER CITY, NEV. – The Chico State men's golf team wrapped up play Tuesday at the Division II National Championship Preview, finishing tied for fifth in the 17-team field with a three-round total of 826 (-20) at Boulder Creek Golf Club. The Wildcats opened the tournament in historic fashion, setting a new program record with an 18-under par 270 in the first round and following with an 11-under 277 in the afternoon. Chico State entered the final round with an 11-shot lead but shot a 9-over 297 on Tuesday to close out the event.
Senior Naoki Easterday once again led the way for the Wildcats, posting rounds of 67–69–70 to finish at 10-under par and tied for fourth, earning All-Tournament Team honors. It marked Easterday's second top-five finish of the fall season. Head coach Nick Green spoke on his player's consistency, saying that "Naoki is very strong mentally. His ball striking is always great, and he's incredibly intelligent in how he approaches each shot."
Senior Giuseppe Aliotti followed with rounds of 66–72–72 to finish tied for 15th at 6-under. Senior Ben Mouser, who had opening rounds of 67–67, carded an 85 (+13) in the final round to finish tied for 54th. Sophomore Ethan Allred posted rounds of 73–70–76 for a tie for 54th, while freshman Vineet Vallamsetty finished with rounds of 70–71–79 to tie for 59th.
Junior Cooper Hambrick, competing as an individual, posted rounds of 80–70–75 to finish tied for 76th.
Lynn University captured the team title at 28-under par, while Seth Bearden of Midwestern State won the individual championship at 13-under par.
Head Coach Nick Green reflected on the team's day, saying, "It obviously wasn't our best showing today, but we know we have a great group and a lot of talent. Our confidence going into next week's tournament is high, and we'll be ready to have a couple of good practices to prepare for the challenge that Bayonet presents."
The Wildcats will conclude their fall segment October 13–14 at the Otter Invitational, hosted by Cal State Monterey Bay at Bayonet and Blackhorse Golf Course in Seaside, California.
