Top teams battling at Pioneer Shootout

VALLEJO, Calif. — Just two strokes separate the nation’s top two NCAA Division II men’s golf teams after two rounds Monday at the Cal State University East Bay Pioneer Shootout being played at the Hiddenbrooke Golf Club.

Chico State, ranked No.1 in both the Golf Coaches Association of America Golf World/NIKE Golf Top 25 and Golfstat rating, leads at 19-over-par 595 (301-294) while Western Washington University, second in both the poll and rating, is second at 21-over par 597 (294-303).

The final round will be played Tuesday.

“We didn’t play very well in the afternoon and squandered away a very good morning round,” said Western coach Steve Card (18th year). “The conditions were difficult as it was very breezy, but we’re right in there.”

Sonoma State is third at 599 (298-301) in the 14-team tournament, 17 strokes in front of fourth place UC San Diego.

Kenny Pigman from Cal State San Bernardino leads in the medalist chase at 1-under 143 (70-73). Chico State’s Kyle Souza is second at 146 (73-73).