STOCKTON, Calif. – The Chico State men's golf team opened the 2026 CCAA Championship with a strong first round, sitting in a tie for third place on the leaderboard heading into Tuesday's action.

The Coyotes of San Bernardino, a team that has played consistently at the top of each tournament this spring, sits in first place after one round with a six stroke lead. Cal State San Marcos sits behind the Yotes in second, with an even par (288). Just behind the Cougars is a two-way tie for third between Chico State and Cal State Dominguez Hills, both combining for a 289 (+1) to kickoff the conference tournament.

Naoki Easterday led the way for the Wildcats, carding a 69 (-3) in the opening round. The senior, competing in his fourth CCAA Championship, went bogey-free across all 18 holes and sits tied in first place. A consistent round in Stockton, Easterday was the only player to not card a bogey or worse in the opening round on Monday. 

Alexander LemMon also turned in a solid performance, opening with a pair of birdies and finishing with a 73 (+1). He currently sits in a tie for 12th with two rounds remaining, within striking distance of the top of the field.

Giuseppe Aliotti and Vineet Vallamsetty each posted rounds of 74 (+2). Aliotti closed his round with a birdie to build momentum heading into the second round, while Vallamsetty, competing in his first conference championship, bounced back from a triple bogey on the front nine with three birdies around the turn.

Ty Weaver rounded out the Wildcats' lineup with a 76 (+4) in his conference championship debut. The freshman sits tied for 24th with 36 holes remaining.

With two rounds still to play, the Wildcats remain in contention as they look to climb the leaderboard at the CCAA Championship. The second round tees off Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. at The Reserve at Spanos Park.