TURLOCK, Calif. – Freshman Vineet Vallamsetty captured individual medalist honors to lead the Chico State men's golf team to a tie for first place at the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational at Turlock Golf and Country Club. The Wildcats ultimately fell just short in a team playoff to Cal State San Bernardino after finishing tied atop the leaderboard.
Chico State entered the final round seven shots off the lead after posting rounds of 292 (+8) and 279 (-5) on Monday but closed the gap with an 11-under 273 on Tuesday. The Wildcats were seven shots back entering the final four holes and rallied to force a tie at the top.
In the team playoff, San Bernardino secured the title with three birdies compared to Chico State's two. The Wildcats showcased consistency throughout the tournament, recording the fewest bogeys in the field while leading in total pars made and par-3 scoring.
Vallamsetty delivered a remarkable final round, firing a 65 (-6) after opening with rounds of 76 (+5) and 67 (-4) to secure his second collegiate victory. He birdied holes 16, 17 and 18 to close out the win and led the field in both par-3 scoring at 2-under and total birdies with 13. When asked about his mindset over the final three holes while sitting three shots off the lead, Vallamsetty said he focused on what he could control, noting, "I managed to hit some good iron shots down the stretch and gave myself three great looks at birdies."
Senior Naoki Easterday continued his strong season with rounds of 71, 71 and 69 to finish tied for third, marking his sixth top-five finish of the season.
Junior Alex LemMon also turned in an impressive performance, carding rounds of 77 (+6), 67 (-4) and 69 (-2) to finish tied for sixth. LemMon highlighted his tournament with a hole-in-one on the seventh hole in the final round.
Senior Giuseppe Aliotti recorded rounds of 71-76-70 to place tied for 15th, while freshman Ty Weaver posted rounds of 74-74-73 to finish tied for 25th.
Competing as individuals, Cooper Hambrick turned in rounds of 75, 73 and 73, while Collin Statler posted scores of 76, 75 and 77.
Cal State San Bernardino claimed the team title following the playoff finish.
The Wildcats will next head to the CCAA Championships at The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton, Calif., to close out conference play.
