BELLE VERNON, Pa. — The West Liberty University men's golf team opened the 2026-27 season with a runner-up finish Thursday at the 2026 Vulcan Invitational at Cedarbrook Golf Course.

The Hilltoppers finished second in the 14-team field with a two-round score of +3, four shots behind tournament host California (Pa.), which finished at 9-under. The scheduled third round was canceled, leaving the tournament as a 36-hole event.

West Liberty was led by a pair of top-10 individual finishes. Chatum Courson and Ethan Cook both finished tied for eighth at 1-under par. Courson carded rounds of 1-under 70 and even-par 71, while Cook posted a 2-under 69 followed by a 1-over 72.

Justin Doerr also finished in the top 15, tying for 14th at even par. Doerr opened with a 1-under 70 before shooting a 1-over 72 in the second round.

Adam Gill and Carter Stewart rounded out the Hilltoppers' scoring lineup, tying for 45th at 10-over par. Gill recorded rounds of 3-over 74 and 7-over 78, while Stewart finished with a 6-over 77 and 4-over 75.

California (Pa.) claimed the team title at 9-under, while West Liberty finished four shots back at 3-over. Fairmont State and California (Pa.)'s B team shared third place at 5-over.

The Hilltoppers will return to action Sept. 14-15 at the Wally Edgell Invitational, hosted by Davis & Elkins College at Stonewall Resort in Elkins, W.Va.




West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.