Women’s golf started the season off hot with a first place finish in both the individual and team portion of the Leadership and Golf Invitational. However, after a rocky performance in the Windy City Classic and a loss against UCLA in the Battle for the Bell, the Trojans look to bounce back this week at the Stanford Intercollegiate.

Expectations are high as USC has a very good track record at the legendary Stanford Golf Course. Despite missing two stars, junior Amari Avery and senior Christine Wang to LPGA Q-school, the coaching staff remains confident in their players. 

“Everyone on our roster has played this golf course,” said Head Coach Justin Silverstein in an interview with the Daily Trojan. “We’ve got a good chance, just got to be a little more disciplined than we’ve been in past couple events.” 

With roster spots opening up, talents like freshman Frances Kim will be able to show their game for the first time this season. Other players like senior Michaela Morard are “knocking right on the doorstep,” Silverstein said. Morard hasn’t been picked for a lineup in about a year, but her pace of improvement may warrant a selection in the near future. 

The amount of depth on the USC roster is very special. While most college golf teams have five or six contenders, the Trojans have eight players who could all crack the top five. This leads to a fiery practice environment full of good competition. The players are forced to push each other, which generates enthusiasm for bettering their games.

“I think that’s why we have so many LPGA Tour players,” Silverstein said. “We’ve had consistent depth here, maybe not up to eight like we do now. But it’s that internal push from one another that’s made them so good.” 

Senior Brianna Navarrosa is one of those players looking to make it to the next level. 

“I put so much time into it,” Navarrosa said. “I love the game, so that’s ultimately the goal.” 

She has been a key contributor throughout her four years on the team. Since starting as a freshman, Navarrosa has improved on her stroke average every season. This steady refinement has made her one of the top players in the country.

In an interview with the Daily Trojan, Navarrosa reflected on her experience playing golf for USC. “It’s really weird because I don’t feel like I’m a senior, but it’s cool seeing everyone grow up and the freshmen come in. At least one [first place finish] would be really nice to finish off my college years,” Navarrosa said. 

Her relentless hunger to win reflects on the mindset of the team. After coming so close to a national championship last year, she is optimistic about doing one better. 

“We have the talent. It’s just really about what clicks and what doesn’t,” Navarrosa said.

This upcoming tournament is the perfect opportunity to get back on track. New faces will have the chance to prove themselves, while Navarrosa chases her desired podium spot. 

In preparation for the Stanford Intercollegiate, the Trojans have compiled a string of sharp practices. Silverstein and performance coach Kevin Sverduk have implemented more attention to detail and a sense of urgency to attack each round rather than wait for something magical to happen. While patience is crucial in a game like golf, a killer instinct can make all the difference.

With the Women’s World Amateur Team Championship running from Oct. 25 to 28 in Abu Dhabi and LPGA Q-school, many top players are taking a hiatus from college golf. Teams will head into tournaments with uncertainty surrounding their lineups. The Trojans, on the other hand, seem well prepared for this predicament. 

From Oct. 20 to 22, USC will travel north to Stanford, California to play in the Stanford Intercollegiate.