LEBANON, Pa. – The Gannon men’s golf team is determined to end its long wait for a PSAC championship. On Saturday, the Golden Knights took a big step toward that goal.
 
Gannon entered Saturday’s second round with an 11-shot lead and they more than doubled that lead as they took a 26-shot lead going into Sunday’s final round. GU’s domination wasn’t just in the team competition. Sophomore Mattia Parrini (Verolengo, Italy/Verolengo) took a 2-shot lead in the individual race, teammate Giovanni Delorenzi (Reggio Emilia, Italy/International School of Modena) was in second place, and two other Knights are among top six places.
 
Gannon joined the PSAC in 2008, and although the GU men’s golf team has had tremendous success since then, the Golden Knights have never won a conference title. That drought could end on Sunday.
 
The Knights shot the low round of the day for the second straight day at Iron Valley Golf Club as they finished the day with a 5-over-par 293 total. After shooting a stellar 10-under 278 on Friday, Gannon is now at 5-under 571. Defending champion Millersville lost 15 shots to the lead as it closed Saturday with a 308 score for a two-day total of 597. Pitt-Johnstown is third at 602.
 
Parrini, who has won two tournament titles already this fall, moved into the lead after shooting his second consecutive 2-under-par 70. He is at 4-under 140 and owns a two-shot lead over teammate Giovanni Delorenzi (Reggio Emilia, Italy/International School of Modena) and Shepherd’s Trey Rios. Delorenzi, a junior, shot an even-par 72 and sits at 2-under 142.
 
Parrini had three birdies and 14 pars on Saturday while Delorenzi had four birdies in his round.
 
Gannon seniors Michael Wareham (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) and Elijah Ruppert (Fleetwood, Pa./Brandywine Heights) are tied for sixth with 1-over 145 totals through 36 holes. Wareham, who shot a 4-under 68 in the first round to take the lead, followed up with 5-over 77. Ruppert shot 3-over 75 on Saturday after opening with a 70 on Friday.
 
Redshirt sophomore Rasmus Seppanen (Bastad, Sweden/Akademi Bastad Gymnasium) is tied for 18th with a 10-over 154 after shooting 76 on Saturday.
 
Gannon will try to protect its lead on Sunday when it tees off beginning at 10:40 a.m.
 
Team Standings
(Round 1 of 3)
1. Gannon 278-293—571  -5
2. Millersville 289-308—597  +21
3. Pitt-Johnstown 304-298—602 +26
4. Shepherd 311-294—605  +29
5. IUP 310-297—607  +31
6. California 311-301—612 +36
7. West Chester 308-315—623  +47
8. Bloomsburg 327-311—638 +62
9. Clarion 340-332—672  +96
 
Tourney leaders
(45-golfer field)
1. Mattia Parrini (Verolengo, Italy/Verolengo), Gannon 70-70—140  -4
2. Giovanni Delorenzi (Reggio Emilia, Italy/International School of Modena), Gannon 70-72—142  -2
2. Trey Rios 73-69—142  -2
4. Timothy Peters, Millersville 70-74-144  E
4. John Olsen, IUP 74-70—144  E
6. Michael Wareham (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional), Gannon 68-77-145  +1
6. Elijah Ruppert (Fleetwood, Pa./Brandywine Heights), Gannon 70-75—145  +1
 
Gannon scores
1. Mattia Parrini (Verolengo, Italy/Verolengo) 70-70—140  -4
2. Giovanni Delorenzi (Reggio Emilia, Italy/International School of Modena) 70-72—142  -2
6. Michael Wareham (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) 68-77-145  +1
6. Elijah Ruppert (Fleetwood, Pa./Brandywine Heights) 70-75—145  +1
18. Rasmus Seppanen (Bastad, Sweden/Akademi Bastad Gymnasium) 78-76—154  +10