All Trojan Starters In Top 9 As USC Women's Golf Opens Big Lead At The Gold Rush

Freshman Amari Avery and senior Katherine Muzi are 1-2, sophomore Michaela Morard and Xin (Cindy) Kou are tied for third and sophomore Bri Navarrosa is tied for ninth, the quintet all contributing to a huge USC lead after a 36-hole opener on Monday (Feb. 28) at The Gold Rush at Old Ranch C.C.

The Trojans, coming off their first win of the season last week, will have a good chance to make it two in a row after building a 25-stroke advantage over their closest competitor, finishing their two rounds at 1-over 577 (288-289). Hawaii is at 26-over with UCLA two back of the Rainbows.

Avery, likewise, is looking to win for the second time in a week and holds a two-stroke lead over teammate Muzi at 1-under 143 (69-74). She had five birdies in each round today.

"The conditions of this tournament versus the last tournament we played could not have been more different, so that makes today's rounds even more impressive by our group," USC Coach Justin Silverstein said. "This golf course is playing extremely firm and fast and requires an incredible amount of discipline. We're happy with how we played through the 36 today and look forward to going out and competing again tomorrow and trying to close this thing out."

Muzi, who is also looking for her second win of the season, is second at 1-over 145 (70-75). Her first round saw her recover from a 3-over start through 7, going 5-under over the final 11 holes.

Morard (79-68) lowered her Trojan best today with a 4-under second round and is tied for third with Kou (73-74) at 3-over 147.

Morard has improved her finish in each of her first four events and a top 10 would make it five in a row. Kou is seeking her fourth top 5 and fifth top 10.

Navarrosa is tied for ninth at 5-over 149 (76-73) and she is after her fourth top 16.

Sophomore Christine Wang, playing individually, is tied for 34th at 13-over 157 (77-80).

Final round action Tuesday begins with a shotgun start at 7 a.m. PT.