Governors State men’s golf opened its fall slate in strong form, finishing 2nd out of 8 teams at the Defiance College Fall Tournament at Auglaze Golf Club in Defiance, Ohio. The Jaguars posted a two-round team score of +12 (294–290), just six strokes back of first-place Ohio Northern (+6).

Julio Roman led the way with an outstanding individual performance, tying for 2nd overall after rounds of 72 and 68 (140, –3). Roman’s second-round 68 tied for the lowest score of the day and helped propel GovState into contention. Casey Taylor followed with a consistent 71–76 (147, +3) to place T11, while Juan Rodriguez rebounded from an opening 82 to card a 68 in Round 2, finishing T17 at 150 (+6).

Rounding out the scoring lineup, Ryan Fontaine posted 76–77 (153, +9), and Zach Hickman added 79–82 (161, +17). Competing as individuals, Isaac Mackan (156, +12) and Austin Bjes (165, +21) each turned in solid tournament play, while Louis Wappler gained valuable experience in his season debut.

GovState’s balanced showing, highlighted by Roman’s top finish and the team’s second-round improvement, marked a promising start to the fall campaign.

Up Next: The Jaguars head north to Wisconsin for the Whistling Straits Collegiate Classic, Oct. 19–21, at Whistling Straits National Golf Course in Kohler.