MCC in fourth at Rush Invitational

MERIDIAN- The Meridian Community College golf team shot a second round 298 to head into the final round of the MCC/Rush Fall Invitational in fourth place. The season-opening tournament is being hosted by the Eagles and is being played at Briarwood Country Club.

For the second straight round, freshman led the way for MCC as youngsters, Mark Drube and Cory Williamson both find themselves in the top 15. Drube fired a 76-73 on day one while Williamson shot 74-74. Freshmen Garrett Westbrook and Nick Hawkes are both tied for 18th with 152. Westbrook shot 75-77 while Hawkes shot 77-75. Sophomore Clay Bounds rebounded from an opening round 85 to shoot 76 on the final round of the day.

Other scores for MCC included John Cleveland 76-75, Chris Cochran 80-76, Tanner Sparks 81-77, Matthew Stephens 91-85, and Tyler Rainer 94-97.

Central Alabama’s Barrett Milam and Wallace State’s Brad Story are in first-place with even par 144 strokes. Milam shot 75-69 while Story shot 73-71.

Central Alabama (294-291) leads the team scoring with 585 strokes. Wallace State (300-291) is in second place with 591 strokes, followed by Darton College (301-292) with 593 strokes. Host school Meridian (301-298) is in fourth with 602 strokes.

University of Mobile (305-298; 603) is in fifth, William Carey University (305-311; 616) is in sixth, followed by MS Gulf Coast (317-320; 637), Faulkner State (316-322; 638), and East Central (342-328; 670).

“This has turned out to be a wonderful event because of the generosity of Briarwood Country Club, its members and their hardworking staff,” said MCC coach, Sean Covich.

“Considering all the rain the last few weeks, the course is in great shape thanks to Chad Casey and his greens crew. Plus the competition is amazing this year with Central Alabama, Darton and others who are former national champions.”

Meridian closes out the tournament tomorrow. Play begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.