Lady Eagles blank Jones for season’s first victory, Eagles up early- fall in second half

from combined reports
(The Meridian Star/MCC Sports Info)

MCC 5
Jones 0

The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles captured their first win of the season Tuesday night to highlight a soccer doubleheader with visiting Jones County.

Coming into the game with just a tie against Shelton State on their record, the Lady Eagles found the back of the net five times in the first half to race out to a 5-0 lead.

A scoreless second half between the teams gave MCC the 5-0 win to move to 1-0-1 on the year and 1-0 in MACJC South Division play.

Holly Head and Kari Leiberman each scored a pair of goals for MCC, while McKenzie Butler also scored.

Jones 3
MCC 2

After leading 2-1 at the half, Meridian allowed a pair of second half goals to drop a 3-2 decision to JCJC.

Jones freshman Tyler Brackman scored the winning goal in the 41st minute for the visiting Bobcats.

"This was a hard loss, no doubt about that," remarked MCC head coach Allen George. "By no means does that mean anything is over, so we can't quit. We just have to get back out here and bounce back."

Kyle Hutchinson and Aaron Lamb each scored goals for Meridian.

Despite numerous opportunities on the Bobcats' end of the field, MCC was unable to strike back en route to the loss.

MCC men fell to 1-1 (0-1 in Division play) while JCJC improved to 1-1.

Both the Eagles and Lady Eagles will be back in action Friday when they travel to rival Pearl River CC in Poplarville, MS. This will be MCC's second MACJC South Division contest.

MCC soccer to open up division play in "The Battle of I-59" v. Jones Co.

(MERIDIAN) – The Meridian Community College soccer teams got off to a solid start this past weekend in the Shelton State Invitational Tournament.

Both the Eagles and Lady Eagles traveled to Tuscaloosa, AL and faced a pair of Alabama schools.

The Lady Eagles played traditional national power- host-Shelton State in game one of the tournament on Friday.

After being down 3-1, the Lady Eagles rallied to score 2 unanswered goals to scrap out a 3-3 tie.

“I though that we played really well,” said head soccer coach Alex George.

“Shelton State is usually a top-15 national team so for us to be down and then comeback to tie up the game, with chances to win down the stretch also, was a positive sign.”

The MCC men’s squad posted a dominating performance in game two of the tournament on Friday afternoon.

The Eagles faced Marion (AL) Military Institute and defeated them soundly by a score of 8-0.

MCC was led by sophomore standout, Terry Silva of Starkville. Silva notched a hat trick by scoring three goals.

“I think that we’re starting to find some chemistry on the men’s team,” said George.

“We’ve still got to work on something’s, but I like where we are as a team, we’re getting confidence.”

Both MCC squads will look to start their MACJC South Division play on a positive note when they host rival- Jones County Junior College, a game sometimes referred to as “The Battle of I-59” (in reference to the main thoroughfare that connects the two schools).

With the respective schools located just an hour away, Coach George expects an intense ballgame.

“When you enter MACJC play it’s anybody’s ballgame,” said George.

“But again, I like where we are and like how we’re gaining confidence.”

Jones Lady Bobcats come into the game with a 1-0 record after defeating Bossier Parrish last week, while the Bobcats are 0-1 after losing to Holmes.

MCC will be hosting a soccer tailgate in conjunction with the home openers for the soccer teams.

Students, staff, faculty and fans are encouraged to attend.

Lady Eagles take to the field at 5:00 PM with the men’s game slated for 7:15 PM

MCC Soccer Opens up at Shelton St. Invitational

(TUSCALOOSA, AL) Meridian Community College officially began their 2007 soccer season on Friday with games in Tuscaloosa, AL at the Shelton State Invitational.

The MCC Lady Eagles started off the season with a tie, 3-3 as they played host-Shelton State.

The Lady Eagles are 0-0-1 on the season.

The MCC Eagles faced Marion (AL) Military Institute in their season opener.

Terry Silva led the way for the eagles with a hat trick, three goals.

MCC won 8-0 and are 1-0 on the young season.

Both MCC teams will wrap up the tournament Saturday v. Andrew College. Lady Eagles play at 2 PM, while the Eagles take the field at 4PM.

MCC’s first home game is Tuesday v. MACJC South Division rival, Jones County. Games begin at 5 PM.

Wild Finish in Eagle Cup...Again

(MERIDIAN)-With six points up for grabs in Thursdays single matches and with just one point separating the freshmen (3 ½ ) from the sophomores (2 ½ ) it was still anybody’s Cup to win. The final round of the 3rd Eagle Cup would be played at the NAS-Ponta Creek Golf Course with temperatures that reached 100+..

The first match of the day featured 2006 MCC/Rush Fall Invitational Champion, Josh Ivy, representing the sophomores vs. newcomer, Joe Konieczny. Konieczny would grab a 4 UP lead on the front nine and carry that advantage over to the back. Ivy fought his way back and with just a few holes left Ivy found himself only 2 DOWN, Koniecnzy would play stead to win the match 2 UP. With the win the freshmen extended their lead 4 ½ to 2 ½.

In the second match of the day, freshman Taylor McCrary faced off against returning sophomore, Curt Sparks. This match would be tight all the way through as the players exchanged wins on the final few holes and McCrary found himself with a 1 UP lead heading into the final hole. The match was virtually ended with two consecutive lip-outs for Sparks and McCrary would grab the win. The freshmen total was 5 ½ to 2 ½ leaving the freshmen team just 1 point away from winning the Eagle Cup.

With just four matches left on the course, the sophomores needed to win all four to have a chance at winning the Cup outright. Meanwhile, the freshmen were just ½ a point away from securing at least a playoff and just one point away from beating the sophomores.

Match #3 featured former West Lauderdale High School golfer, Ryan Hill and MCC freshman, Blain Henderson. Hill led the match virtually the entire round and ended up winning 3 & 2. With the win, Hill and the sophomore team had earned a much needed point to keep their Eagle Cup dreams alive. The freshmen still led, though, 5 ½ to 3 ½.

In the fourth match of the day, former Lamar High School golfer, John Everett squared off against MCC sophomore, First Team All Region XXIII member and Scottsboro, AL’s own “Golden Boy,” Jarrod Lemaster. Lemaster, who lead most of the match played steady and won a much needed point for the sophomore team. Lemaster defeated Everett 6 & 5. Lemaster’s win kept hopes alive for the sophomores, who then relied solely on their final two players.

The Eagle Cup was down to the final two matches. In the next to final match, former Lamar High School golfer, Jarrod Moulds faced a returning starter off of MCC’s 2007 NJCAA National Championship Tournament team, sophomore Bryant Self. The match was close back and forth on the front side, but on the back, Self pulled away for a 4 & 3 victory.

Then it all came down to this, the final match of the Eagle Cup. Former Lamar High School golfer and freshman team captain Clay Bounds vs. MCC’s sophomore Michael Burton. Burton and Self were back-and-forth all day, and after a Burton chip-in birdie, they found themselves ALL SQUARE with just three holes to play. After both players winning a hole, they came to the 18th tee box- with the Eagle Cup on the line. Teammates became cheerleaders and spectators on ‘The Hill’ beside #18’s green as they watched both Bounds and Burton hit their tee shots to the green. Bound’s ball was almost perfect as it flew right over the hole to with-in 15 ft, while Burton was pin-high just right of the green. Burton hit first and his chip shot came ran by about 7 feet pass the hole, leaving Bounds with an opportunity to win the Cup outright for his team with a birdie. Bounds was aggressive with his attempt, running close by the hole but just missed. With Bounds virtually securing a par for the freshmen team, Burton had to make his lengthy left-to-right par putt. With the entire MCC golf team looking on, Burton calmly drained his putt to force a playoff for the Cup.

Both captains would represent their teams in a sudden death playoff beginning on the 18th hole, a par 3. Still riding high after his teammates strong showing, Josh Ivy pared the playoff hole to win the Eagle Cup for the sophomore team, redeeming last years loss.

A physically and emotionally drained Ivy would accept the Eagle Cup on behalf of his teammates from MCC head golf coach, Sean Covich. Ivy thanked his teammates and congratulated the freshmen for their outstanding play.

The MCC golf team begins qualifying for their first official event Monday. The Eagles travel to Northwest Shoals on September 10-11.

Eagle Cup a draw on Wednesday

Day Two Recap
FRESH 3 1/2
SOPH 2 1/2

Day Two of the Eagle Cup was played Wednesday afternoon and featured hot, humid weather. The freshmen were looking to build on their 2 to 1 lead; meanwhile the sophomores were looking to mount a comeback.

Six sophomores faced off against six freshmen Wednesday at Northwood Country Club, with each match being played for one point. A total of three points were up for grabs on Day Two. Wednesday’s format was four-ball match play.

Match #1 featured Clay Bounds and Blaine Henderson, representing the freshman, against Curt Sparks and Bryant Self representing the sophomores. Bounds/Henderson controlled the match early on an eventually built up a commanding lead mid-way on the back nine. Bounds/Henderson made a birdie putt on #14 to close out the match 5 & 4.

Match #2 saw Joshua Ivy and Jarrod Lemaster square off against freshmen, John Everett and Joe Konieczny. This match was close most of the day until late, when the sophomore team of Ivy/Lemaster put away the match on #16 and won 3 & 2.

Michael Burton and Ryan Hill would represent the sophomores in the final match of the day, they faced freshmen, Jarrod Moulds and Taylor McCrary. The match was close the entire day- but down the stretch of the back side Moulds/McCrary reeled off two straight wins on holes #16 and #17 to comeback and go 1 UP with one hole to play. Burton/Hill showed their competitiveness and won the final hole to secure ½ a point and a draw out of the match.

With Day Two being a draw for both teams (1 ½ to 1 ½ ), the freshmen have a slim lead over the sophomores, the young Eagles lead the veterans 3 ½ to 2 ½ (ironically the same score last year heading into the final day). The final day of the three day Eagle Cup concludes Thursday afternoon at the NAS-Ponta Creek Golf Course. The final day will feature six different singles matches with a total of six points up for grabs- with just one point separating the teams- it’s still anybody’s game.

Four MCC athletes named Academic All American

The National Junior College Athletic Association announced their 2006-07 Academic All-Americans and four Meridian Community College student-athletes made the list.

From women’s soccer Sadie Fryfogle and Jenna Lepard, from men’s soccer, Jason Miller and from baseball, Wade Weathers.

Academic All-Americans must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.60 or better on a 4.0 scale for 45 semester hours or 60 quarter hours. Distinguished Academic All-Americans must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.80 or better on a 4.0 scale for 45 semester hours or 60 quarter hours.

Lepard and Weathers received Distinguished Academic All-American status; while Fryfogle and Miller received Academic All-American.

The list of NJCAA Academic All-Americans was released to each college with certificates for the award winners. The Academic All-Americans are also listed in the JUCO Review, the official publication of the NJCAA.

This academic year marks the second consecutive year that MCC has had four or more of its athletes named Academic All American. In 2005-06, MCC had five athletes make the academic list.

Freshmen Take Early Lead in “Eagle Cup”

Day One Recap
Fresh: 2
Soph: 1


The 3rd ever MCC “Eagle Cup” (an inter-squad Ryder Cup mach play event) began today.

Six sophomores faced off against six freshmen Monday afternoon at Briarwood Country Club, with each match being played for one point. A total of three points were up for grabs on Day One. Monday’s format was ‘true’ alternate shot match play.

The first match of the day featured sophomores and former West Lauderdale High School teammates, Michael Burton and Ryan Hill vs. newcomers, Clay Bounds and Taylor McCrary.

Bounds/McCrary dominated the match early on and eventually won the match 7&6, earning the freshman team the first point of the Eagle Cup.

Match #2 featured freshmen, John Everett and Blaine Henderson vs. returning sophomores Bryant Self and Curt Sparks.

After going back and forth on the front nine, this match remained close late on the back nine. Everett/Henderson won the match 3&2, making the total: freshmen 2, sophomores 0.

In the final match of the day, retuning sophomores and 2007 NJCAA national championship starters, Joshua Ivy and Jarrod Lemaster, who teamed up to challenge incoming freshmen Jarrod Moulds and Joseph Koniecsny.

After a slow start, Ivy/Lemaster pulled out the match 3&1 to earn the sophomore team their lone point of the day.

Day Two of the three round event continues Wednesday with four-ball shot match play being held at Northwood CC. Play beings at 2:00 PM with the freshmen leading the sophomores 2 -1.

MCC Soccer Fans Enjoy Eagle Day

MERIDIAN – Over a hundred Meridian Community College soccer fans attended the annual “Eagle Day” for the MCC soccer teams Saturday afternoon on the college campus.

The festivities started off with some prizes raffled off. Food was provided for those in attendance before the Eagles and Lady Eagles hit the soccer field for some inter-squad exhibition matches.

“This was our most attended and most successful Eagle Day since I’ve been here,” said MCC soccer coach Alex George.

“I just want to thank all the family, friends, and fans that came out to support these fine student-athletes.”

Following some scheduling changes, MCC soccer will officially begin the season by participating in the Shelton State Tournament Friday-Saturday, August 24-25.  The Eagles first home game will be August 28 v. MACJC South Division rival- Jones County.

MCC baseball player inks with Alabama

MERIDIAN – Meridian Community College baseball player, Dave Woods, committed to play baseball for the University of Alabama announced on Monday by MCC baseball coach Chris Rose.

Woods, a graduate of West Lauderdale High School, was a two year starter for the Meridian Eagles, and he was the backbone in handling the pitching staff last season as a catcher.

He is a 6’2 and 210 pound catcher that was drafted by the Florida Marlins in 2005. He elected to stay for his sophomore campaign because he has always dreamed of playing in the College World Series.

“Professional baseball would have been great, but I loved MCC and the opportunity that it gave me to one day sign a Division I scholarship,” said Woods.

“Out of high school MCC was the only school that gave me an opportunity.”

His opportunity came to fruition on Monday when he made his final commitment to play for the Tide; Woods finalizes another great year of signees as he will make the 8th player from the 2007 Eagles to sign a Division I scholarship.

Head Coach Chris Rose believes “that Dave will do a great job at Alabama, and we are very proud to see someone accomplish so much through two years of hard work.”

Woods was very complimentary of Coach Rose and the staff for guiding and directing him towards his future in baseball and academics. When asked what he hoped to accomplish at Alabama, Woods replied, “I hope to excel on the field and make my coaches proud, but I want to excel off the field in academics to make my parents and family proud.”

MCC Freshmen Tennis Players Make MAC All Star

MERIDIAN – Several Meridian Community College incoming freshmen tennis players were named All Stars for the Mississippi Association of Coaches tennis game last moth.

The matches took place at the Parham Bridges Tennis Center in Jackson, MS.

MCC tennis coach Wanda McPhail had three of her women tennis recruiting class players participating on the MAC All Star Tennis Teams.

Former Meridian High School Wildcat, Kelly Sterling, was named to the MAC All Star Girls North Team, while Kayla Daughtrey of Northeast Jones and Ashton Hartley of Clinton were named to the MAC All Star Girls South Team.

Sterling, Jones and Hartley all signed to play tennis for MCC in the spring of 2007.

MCC Soccer’s “Eagle Day” Moved to August 18th

MERIDIAN – The annual “Eagle Day” for MCC soccer will take place Saturday, August 18th instead of the original August 11th date, announced by MCC soccer coach Alex George Wednesday.

Prizes, food, schedules and much more will be available.

MCC soccer will begin the season with a road date slated for August 21 v. Itawamba, the Eagles first home game will be August 28 v. MACJC South Division rival- Jones County.

For more information, please contact the MCC soccer office at 601-484-8697 or ageorge@mcc.cc.ms.us

Former Eagle Pitcher Named To MCC Coaching Staff

MERIDIAN – Meridian Community College head coach Chris Rose announced Wednesday the hiring of Chris Rayborn to his baseball coaching staff.

“I am very excited to have Chris join our staff,” said Rose.

“He has worked camps for Southern Miss, Memphis and here at MCC. He is a guy that did what we hope for all our players, he worked hard, got a large scholarship offer to a SEC school, and went on to play professional baseball. He has been very successful and he is a guy that is passionate about what he does.”

For Rayborn, a graduate of Adams Christian High School, returning to MCC is a homecoming. A native of Natchez, Miss, Rayborn was an All America pitcher for the Eagles in 2004, helping guide MCC to their last back-to-back trips to the Div. 1 Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, CO. in 2003 & 2004.

“I am excited to come back to MCC because the two years here were probably the best two years of my life,” said Rayborn.

“I am excited that Coach Rose has given me this opportunity and I am looking forward to working with our pitching staff.”

Rayborn comes back to MCC following his playing career in professional baseball. After his sophomore season at MCC, Rayborn signed a pro ball contract with the San Diego Padres organization. He spent time in Phoenix, AZ, Eugene, OR, and Ft. Wayne, IN playing baseball in the minor leagues. He led the Arizona Rookie league in ERA and innings pitched.

Prior to his stint professional baseball, Rayborn had one of the more decorated pitching careers for MCC. He was a consensus All American, named to Baseball America’s first team All America squad, he was also an All State and All Region selection for MCC. He ranks in MCC’s top three for most strikeouts among Eagle pitchers with 156 career K’s. He had 19 career wins for MCC in his two years on the mound, going 9-2 his sophomore season and 10-3 his freshman season, which included a win in the 2003 Juco World Series.

Rayborn will join former SEC baseball standout, Joe Caruso, who is entering his second year on staff, as an assistant baseball coach. Rayborn’s specific position responsibility will be working with the pitching staff.

MCC soccer to wrap up camp

(MERIDIAN) – Meridian Community College will wrap up the 2007 Eagle Soccer Camp Thursday afternoon. MCC experienced a record number of participants this year as over 80 campers took part this week in the instructional four-day soccer camp designed for youngsters of all ages and skill levels.

"This was probably the best camp I remember in a long time,” said MCC head coach Alex George.

“The kids worked so hard and everything just clicked. It's an absolute joy to watch the future of this great game develop into some of the finest players in the state and I'm honored to have had the opportunity to share in that process."

With only days left before the start of school, many parents felt this was a great way to get the kids back into the swing of things.

The annual “Eagle Day” for MCC soccer will take place Saturday, August 11th. Prizes, food, schedules and much more will be available.

MCC soccer will begin the season with a road date slated for August 17 v. Mississippi Delta, the Eagles first home game will be August 28 v. MACJC South Division rival- Jones County.

For more information, please contact the MCC soccer office at 601-484-8697 or ageorge@mcc.cc.ms.us