TULUM, México — Cal State East Bay men's golf opened its fall campaign with a strong fourth-place team finish at the DII Shootout at PGA Riviera Maya, posting a three-round total of 905 (304–307–294). The Pioneers closed with their best round of the tournament, climbing the leaderboard on the final day and moving up two spots.

Sophomore Easton Hether paced the Pioneers with a stellar performance, carding rounds of 73, 72, and 73 for a two-over 218, earning second place individually in a field of more than 60 golfers. Hether birdied 4 of 5 holes on the front-9 and finished just one stroke behind the tournament winner. He also led all players in the field with 12 birdies for the tournament. 

Senior Oscar Blomqvist provided another steady presence for the Pioneers, tying for 16th place after posting a three-round total of 227 (78–76–73). Junior Peyton Hendricks also broke into the top 20, tying for 18th at 229 (77–80–72). His 72 in the third round was the Pioneer's lowest score of the day for the team.

Rounding out the scoring lineup, Adam Brangefalt tied for 24th with a total of 231 (76–79–76), while Cooper Groshart added a 242 (79–80–83) to finish tied for 55th.

West Texas A&M captured the team title with an 893, while East Bay's closing surge helped the Pioneers edge several ranked programs in the 15-team field.

The Pioneers will return to action next week when they head to Nevada for the DII National Preview.