Eagles continue to climb leaderboard at the NJCAA national championship

MCC’s Dustin Petit leads the national championship individual race

(SCOTTSBORO, Ala.) - The Meridian Community College golf team continued to climb the leaderboard at the 2007 NJCAA men’s golf national championship on Thursday with a team score of 2-over par, 290. Behind the play of sophomores Justin Eaves and Dustin Petit, the Eagles moved from fourth place into the top-three heading into Friday’s final round.

The Eagles are alone in third place with an 878 (302-286-290) three day total. Darton (GA) College, the two-time defending national champions, is atop the leaderboard with a 855 (283-288-284), while South Mountain (AZ) is in second place with a 857 (289-289-279).

MCC’s best finish in school history came in 1998 when the Eagles claimed national championship-runner up. Last season the Eagles finished third in the national championship.

“Today got off to a rough start,” said MCC golf coach Sean Covich.

“We were something like 10-over thru our first six holes as a team, but then came back to finish 2-over as a team. That was some outstanding play by everyone on the back nine.”

Individually, Dustin Petit leads all golfers with a 7-under par 209 (71-68-70). Petit, a member of the 2006 NJCAA national championship all tournament team, has a one stroke lead over first and second round leader Bill Jones, III of Darton (-6). Petit is the only player in the field of 131 golfers to shoot under-par in all three rounds.

Justin Eaves, a 2006 NJCAA All-American, shot a 3-under par 69 on day three. Eaves currently sits in sixth place with a three day total of 2-under par 214 (71-74-69).

Scottsboro, Ala. Native, Jarrod Lemaster backed up his second round 3-under par 69 with a solid 1-over par 73 in the third round. Lemaster has a three day total of 226 (84-69-73).

Joshua Ivy continued his steady play with a third round 78. Ivy, who was 6-over par after his first six holes, completed the 18-hole round at 6-over. Ivy has a three day total of 229 (76-75-78).

Bryant Self, who has been battling sickness all week, posted his second consecutive 79 after he withdrew from the first round.

The Eagles will tee off Friday sometime around noon. The 72- hole event will conclude on the par 72, 6,854 yard Goose Pond Colony Golf Course on Friday with an 18-hole final round.

The NJCAA will recognize, All Americans, All Tournament Team members, Coach of the Year and the top-three teams from the national championship tournament following play.