LC State Men's Golf Within Striking Distance at Willamette Valley Cup

Warriors sit in sixth place, just four strokes off the lead in tight Division III tournament

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:25pm

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The LC State Men's Golf team, receiving votes in the NAIA poll, finished round one of play at the Willamette Valley Cup in sixth place as part of a field loaded with NCAA Division III opponents. The Warriors shot 6-over on the day, with just four strokes separating first place from sixth place. Host DIII Willamette leads the field at 2-over, and fellow Cascade Collegiate Conference team Bushnell (Ore.) holds a two-stroke lead on LC State in a tie for fourth.

Why it matters

This tournament provides a strong early-season test for the LC State men's golf team as they look to build momentum heading into the heart of their season. Competing against top Division III programs will help prepare the Warriors for the challenges they'll face in their own conference and national tournament play.

The details

Sophomore Lucas Ortega led the Warriors individually, carding an even-par round of 71 to sit tied for 14th, just one stroke off third place. Three other Warriors - Adam Lovatt, Andrea Artusini, and Sondre Andresen - are tied for 26th at 2-over par 73. Luke West rounded out the day for LC State at 5-over.

  • The Willamette Valley Cup is being played on March 15-16, 2026.

The players

Lucas Ortega

A sophomore on the LC State men's golf team who carded an even-par 71 in the first round to sit tied for 14th place.

Adam Lovatt

A member of the LC State men's golf team who shot a 2-over 73 in the first round, tying him for 26th place.

Andrea Artusini

A member of the LC State men's golf team who shot a 2-over 73 in the first round, tying him for 26th place.

Sondre Andresen

A member of the LC State men's golf team who shot a 2-over 73 in the first round, tying him for 26th place.

Luke West

A member of the LC State men's golf team who shot a 5-over round on the first day.

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What they’re saying

“Interesting round for the men today. They started off strong, couldn't keep it together, and then finished on a solid note.”

— Zach Anderson, Head Coach

What’s next

The Willamette Valley Cup will conclude on March 16, 2026, with the final round of play.

The takeaway

Despite not playing their best golf on the opening day, the LC State men's team remains firmly in contention at the Willamette Valley Cup. Their ability to stay within striking distance of the lead shows the team's potential and sets them up well for a strong finish in the tournament.