Eaves, Petit lead MCC Golfers on Day One of National Championship

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. – The Meridian Community College golf team opened the 2007 NJCAA men’s golf national championship with a round of 302 on day one of the four day event at the par 72, 6,854 yard, Goose Pond Colony Golf Course.

MCC was paced by the sophomore duo of Justin Eaves and Dustin Petit. The two veterans both carded rounds of 1-under par, 71. Freshman Joshua Ivy grinded out a 4-over par 76, while Scottsboro-native Jarrod Lemaster struggled in the first round with an 84.

MCC was dealt a tough blow when standout freshman, Bryant Self had to withdraw from the first round due to physical illness.

“I credit Bryant for giving it all he had,” said MCC golf coach Sean Covich.

“He was 3-over on #11 and just couldn’t play anymore, add that to Joshua Ivy’s driver cracking during the middle of his swing on #9, we had a rough day.”

“Regardless of the bad breaks, Dustin and Justin continued to play steady. Shooting under-par in the national championship is something special.”

MCC currently sits in the 10th spot out of 20 teams.

Top-ranked Darton (GA) is the clubhouse leader at 5-under par 283 and carries a six-stroke lead over South Mountain (AZ) into the second round. Darton’s Bill Jones, III leads all individuals with a 7-under, 65. MCC’s Eaves and Petit are tied for 8th overall out of 131 golfers with their 1-under par rounds of 71.

Updated score results are available at www.goosepond.org.