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.