Freshman Gavin Aurilia's Turn To Lead USC Men's Golf, Fires 69

A different day, a different true freshman leading the USC men's golf team, this time Gavin Aurilia with the honors and the 3-under 69 to pace the Trojans in the Marquette Intercollegiate second round at Erin Hills (Wisc.) G.C. on Monday (Sept 6).

Meanwhile at the Washington County G.C. Individual, senior graduate transfer Alex Ross earned medalist honors in the 36-hole event at 12-under 132 (64-68), winning by one stroke.

The Trojans starters at Erin Hills, with three new faces in the starting five this week, were six strokes better today with a 1-under 287 today and now sit at 4-over 580 (293-287). South Florida leads the field at 28-under.

Aurilia moved into a tie for 43rd at par 144 (75-69) with his 3-under effort today which saw an even first nine on the back today and a 4-under finish over the final 8 holes.

Fellow freshman Jackson Rivera is USC's overall leader after 36 holes, tied for 32nd at 2-under 142 (70-72). He registered an eagle for the second straight day.

Junior Tyler Guo is tied for 48th at 1-over 145 (73-72), his par round featuring two birdies on his first nine. Senior transfer Jack Boulger is tied for 76th at 5-over 149 (75-74) while sophomore Shane Ffrench is tied for 83rd at 7-over 151 (75-76).

As for Ross, who is pursing a Masters in Communication Management after earning his degree in Economics at Davidson, he backed up his opening eight-under effort with a 4-under second round that saw seven birdies on the day.

"It feels great to put together a couple of really solid rounds," he said. "I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to contribute in the lineup and help the Trojans compete for some team titles."

Redshirt freshman transfer Parker Rostowsky tied for ninth at 6-under 138 (66-72), posting a par second round after his strong start Sunday.

Senior Cameron Henry tied for 20th at 2-under 142 (72-70) while freshman Junyi Tang tied for 22nd in the 34-man field at 1-over (73-72).