MCC golf nearly wins from nine back; Lemaster, Self advance to nationals

(FOREST)- Meridian Community College shot the lowest team score (294) during the final round of the MACJC State/NJCAA Region 23 golf championships to nearly clip first round leader and eventual champion, Mississippi Gulf Coast on Tuesday afternoon at the 6,032 yard, par 71- Forest Country Club.

MCC posted rounds of 295-294 (589) to claim second place in the State/Region while Gulf Coast won with scores of 286-301 (587).

MCC entered the final round with a nine-shot deficit to Gulf Coast. The Eagles made up seven of those nine to nearly pull off a final round shocker.

“It was a great effort on the last 18 holes,” said MCC coach Sean Covich.

“It sure was fun to watch us make up shots on Gulf Coast, we just ran out of holes.”

Two MCC golfers qualified for the NJCAA National Championship. Eagle sophomores, Jarrod Lemaster and Bryant Self will represent Meridian on May 20-23 at Palm Valley GC in Phoenix, AZ at the national championship.

“It ended up being a special day for me because Lemaster and Self were the first ever recruits that I signed and to see them qualify for the national championship was special for me,” said Covich.

Lemaster fired rounds of 73-72 (145) to tie for fourth overall, while Self shot rounds of 73-75 (148) to tie for seventh overall.

Other MCC scores included: Joe Konieczny, 75-73 (148), who was named as an alternate in the national championship after losing in a three-man playoff for the individual spot. Former Lamar standouts Clay Bounds and Jarrod Moulds rounded out the scoring for MCC. Bounds shot 74-76 (150) and Moulds shot 77-74 (151).

After the MACJC season, MCC golfer Joe Konieczny, Jarrod Lemaster and Jarrod Moulds were named to the MACJC First Team All State while Eagle freshman Clay Bounds was named to the MACJC Second Team All State. Lemaster was also named All Region.

Matt Hungerman, of MGCCC, won the individual title with rounds of 68-72 (140).





MCC (2nd/12)
295-294 (589)
T4- Jarrod Lemaster 73-72 145
T7- Bryant Self 73-75 148
T7- Joe Konieczny 75-73 148
12- Clay Bounds 74-76 150
T13- Jarrod Moulds 77-74 151