USC earns runner-up in 2015 NCAA men's golf championship final
USC's improbable run to the final round of the 2015 NCAA men's golf championship ended on Wednesday with the Trojans falling to No. 7 seed LSU, 4-1-0, in match play at Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida. Nonetheless, the second-place finish is the best finish in USC men's golf history, besting the Trojans' third-place finish in 2008.
The Trojans' only pairing win vs. LSU came from senior Eric Sugimoto, who was 1-up on 17 when the Tigers clinched the match. Sophomore ace Rico Hoey was in strong contention early and led his pairing through five holes, but became all square on six, and 1-down on 11. Sophomore Sean Crocker lost his pairing to Zach Wright, 3 & 2, as did freshman Jonah Texeira to Eric Ricard (1-down).
Sophomore Bobby Gojuangco offered a positive take on the finish.
"I think it's great that the four of the guys that will be here next year, we've all had such a great week and played seven straight days of really good golf."
As Gojuangco alluded to, the USC faithful should feel optimistic about the program's future, as they will return all players from this year's championship run except Eric Sugimoto.
Evidenced by the squad's parting Instagram post, the Trojans themselves have big plans going forward: