MCC Golf Wins at Belhaven Inv., Lemaster Claims Individual Honors

Meridian Community College
Athletic Department
Sports Information Director
10/31/2006

MADISON, Miss. – For the second time this fall, the Meridian Community College golf team came away with an impressive victory.

Being the only junior college in the field didn’t stop MCC from walking away with several honors at the Belhaven College Fall Invitational held at Lake Caroline Golf Course in Madison, MS. It was a clean sweep for the Eagles as MCC claimed the overall team championship, individual medalist and medalist runner-up honors.

“I am really proud of the team,” said 1st year MCC head golf coach, Sean Covich.

“It wasn’t pretty- but we found a way to get it done, and that’s what we have to do- keep finding a way to win even when we’re not playing our best.”

MCC’s two day total of 605 (302, 303) enabled the Eagles to capture the Belhaven Invitational by four strokes over host-Belhaven College, 609 (302, 307). First round team leader, Union University, out of Jackson, TN claimed third in the team standings with a 616 (301, 315)

MCC freshman, member of the MCC “White” team, Jarrod Lemaster of Scottsboro, AL used a one-under par, 71 on the final day to claim the overall individual medalist award. Lemaster led all competitors in the field with a two day total of 145 (74, 71).

MCC sophomore, member of the MCC “Green” team Justin Eaves of Louisville, MS had the low round of the event with a two-under par 70 on day two. Eaves claimed medalist runner-up honors with a two day total of 147 (77, 70).

MCC’s “Green” team was also aided by the steady play of freshman Joshua Ivy. The Quitman, Miss native led all competitors after a one-under par round on day one, then shot a 77 on day two. Ivy finished 3rd among all competitors with a two day total of 148. MCC freshman Bryant Self (78, 77) and sophomore Dustin Petit (76, 79) both fired two day totals of 155. Zach Rushing, a sophomore from Forest, closed out the “Green” team’s scoring with a two day total of 158 (79, 79).

With the support of Lemaster’s play, MCC’s “White” team finished fourth in the seven team field. Meridian native, sophomore Cole Clopton shot a two-over par 74 on day two, he finished with a 156 two day total. Freshman Michael Burton of Collinsville shot a two day 160 (75, 82), Freshman Curt Sparks shot 166 (85, 81) and sophomore Reid Kennedy shot 175 (84, 91). Freshman Ryan Cole competed as an individual and shot 177 (91, 86).

MCC will hit the links one last time this fall season at the University of Mobile Fall Classic on November 12-13.

TEAM RESULTS:
1 Meridian CC “Green”= 605 (302-303)
2 Belhaven College = 609 (302-307)
3 Union University (A)= 616 (301-315)
4 Meridian CC “White”= 626 (318-308)
5 Union University (B)= 634 (320-314)
6 Mississippi College= 638 (321-317)
7 Tougaloo College= 659 (332-327)