ECCC, MCC combine for 46 runs in contest

By Robby Atkinson / Special to The Star The Meridian Star


MERIDIAN — There was no question that the busiest person on Wednesday night in the world of sports might have been the scoreboard operator at East Central Community College. At the end its baseball game in Decatur against Meridian Community College Wednesday night there was no doubt that the offense was on display. The Eagles are Warriors combined for 43 hits and 46 runs as MCC would walk with a wild 25-21 victory over East Central in local junior college baseball action.

The two teams also combined for 10 home runs in the game and three players had at least two home runs in the crazy game in Decatur.

"There was no doubt that both teams had great nights at the plate," said MCC head coach Chris Rose. "We needed a good win going into such a key Miss-Lou Conference series this weekend."

MCC (27-16) will open a three game series with Baton Rouge Community College this weekend with the Miss-Lou Conference Championship on the line. The Eagles can win the regular season championship with a sweep of the Bears this weekend. The series begins with a doubleheader on Saturday at 2 p.m. and the series concludes with a single game on Sunday at 1 p.m.

MCC started its offensive explosion in the top of the first inning with four runs to take a 4-0 lead over the Warriors. Jonathan Pace started the inning by reaching on a double down the line in left and crossed the plate moments later on a home run by Ben Kingsley to make the score 2-0 in favor of MCC.The Eagles added two more runs in the frame on another home run to make the score 4-0. Former Meridian High standout Kenny Roberts belted the long home run off the scoreboard in left center to give MCC the four run edge.

East Central responded with one run in the bottom of the first inning to cut the MCC lead to 4-1. Vincent Kortbawi drove in the lone run of the first inning for the Warriors on an RBI single. Meridian extended its lead in a huge way with 10 runs in the top of the second inning to make the score 14-1. The Eagles sent 14 batters to the plate in the second inning and collected nine hits in the frame. The inning was highlighted by three run home run by Michael LeGrange and Darren Farmer also added a two run double in the second inning. Corey Dickerson also added a two run home run in the ten run inning for MCC.

MCC continued to extend its lead in the top of the third inning with two more runs to make the score 16-1. Roberts drove both runs in for the Eagles with his second home run of the game to give MCC a comfortable lead. East Central would try to make a comeback in the bottom of the third inning by chipping into the Meridian lead with four runs to make the score 16-5. Quin Stokes drove a pair of runs in for ECCC with a home run and Blake Lawson added a two run single in the four run third inning for the Warriors.

"Our main goal coming into tonight was to get better," said East Central head coach Neal Holliman. "We have not been playing very well as of late and I think we got better tonight and our games this weekend have so much riding on them."

East Central (33-13) will travel to Jackson this weekend to battle Jones in a key MACJC doubleheader that begins at 1 p.m. The Warriors trail the Bobcats by one game in the South Division and the winner of the division will host the regional tournament next month.

East Central would continue to slowly creep back into the game with three runs in the fourth inning to cut the Meridian lead to 16-8. Stokes blasted his second home run of the game in the fourth inning which drove in a pair of runs and the third run of the inning scored on an RBI groundout by Lawson.

MCC would put another run on a very busy scoreboard with a solo home run by Farmer in the fifth inning to move the score to 17-8. East Central also added one run in the fifth inning to respond and make the score 17-9. Stokes continued to lead the way for the Warriors and drove in the run on an RBI single.

The Eagles scored one run in the sixth inning and Farmer once again provided the offense for MCC with an RBI single to make the score 18-9, but ECCC came right back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to build the score to 18-12 in favor of MCC. Two runs scored in the inning on a throwing error by MCC and the third run scored on an RBI single by Donnie Tabb.

MCC tried to distance themselves from East Central in the top of thru seventh inning with two runs to make the score 20-12. Kenny Sanders had an RBI single in the inning and Pace drove in a run on a sacrifice fly.

The Warriors scratched for a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to make the score 20-14. One run scored on a single by Richie Long and the second run scored on an error to bring ECCC to within seven runs of the Eagles. MCC poured on more offense in the eighth inning with five runs to push the score back to double digits at 25-14. LeGrange added his second homer of the game that drove in a pair of runs in the inning and Hunter Trawick had a two run single in the eighth.

The Warriors scored six runs in the eighth and one run in the ninth, but would come up short as MCC took the wild 25-21 win. Long added a three run homer in the eighth inning for ECCC and Long also had an RBI single in the ninth inning for East Central.

Eagles Double Down

MCC men, women grab Region 23 titles

By Daniel Rigdon / Sports Writer The Meridian Star


MERIDIAN — Wednesday was a great day to be a Meridian Community College Eagle tennis player as both the men's and women's teams captured the Region 23 Championship at Northeast Tennis Center. The wins mark the seventh region title for each.

The women had no problems getting victories as Meridian swept all nine of the championship matches in the tournament.

ITA All-American Anna Vavrik got things going early as she defeated Jones County Junior College's Mary Carole Kiewit 6-0, 6-0 at the No. 1 singles spot. Aline Ferreira prevailed over Mississippi Gulf Coast's Victoria Hagel 6-0, 6-0 at the No. 2, while Savannah Zachry followed suit blanking JCJC's Tiffany Hudson in the No. 3 final.

Also claiming titles for MCC's women were Jessica Halterman at No. 4 (6-4, 6-0) over JCJC's Rebecca Rogers; Kaley Allen at the No. 5 and Indi Mire at the six spot.

Jones County also had women in five of the six singles championship matches.

The No.1 doubles team of Vavrik and Ferreira, No. 2 doubles combo of Halterman and Zachary and the No. 3 team of Shelley Munn and Sumner Brown all clinched championships in straight set victories.

The Lady Eagles have now claimed the Region 23 Title seven of the last eight years.

JCJC took second place and MGCCC came in third.

The MCC men did not enjoy as comfortable a lead heading into "Finals Day" with Itawamba Community College nipping at their heels.

"It was kind of a tough day," said MCC coach Wanda McPhail. "There were a couple of matches that I thought we should have won and we didn't. I thought we should have sealed it before now, but the kids came through when they had to and I am happy for them."

Meridian was able to distance itself just enough in the end as timely doubles' victories by the No. 2 duo of Gabriel Nicotra and Jeremy Purdum and the No. 3 team of Brandyn Landry and Wade Henderson sealed the deal for the Eagles. Both teams claimed their titles over ICC in heated matches.

Noctra took the win in the No. 2 finals in a tight three setter 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 over Hinds' Misha Pecherkin, while Andres Cepede and Kyle Dew each won their finals at the No. 3 and No. 6 positions respectively.

Lucio Cangiano and Wade Henderson each suffered losses in their finals. Cangiano was defeated by Hinds' Nikita Lisov 6-3, 7-5, while Henderson fell 6-1, 6-2 to ICC's Alex Thomas.

Meridian took the championships by three points over second-place finisher Itawamba. Hinds went for a third place finish.

With the wins both the men and women's teams advance to the NJCAA National Championship Tournament. The women's championship is held in Tuscon, AZ April 30-May 6, while the men will travel to Plano, TX May 9-14.

"Nationals are very tough," added McPhail. "I've kept up with schools from all over this year and everybody is good. Not as many teams go to nationals so your chances of getting a good draw are not good.

"They will go out there and play hard and hang tough. We will be competitive."

Coach McPhail was honored at the tournament as Region 23 Coach of the Year for both the women and men's divisions.

Eagles eyeing another region championship

By Dennis Watson/Special to The Star The Meridian Star

MERIDIAN —The sun eventually reared itself to set the stage for a lovely day at Northeast Park, as the MCC tennis team sought to capture an unprecedented fourth consecutive NJCAA Region 23 Championship. The Eagle netters are well on their way of doing so, after an impressive first day of competition.

MCC was paced by the dominant play of their two No. 1 seeds. The men’s No. 1, sophomore Lucio Cangiano, looked extremely sharp in his opening match against Jones County Junior College’s Cade Sherman. The Brazilian won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0.

“Lucio is our team captain, and we are extremely proud of what he’s been able to accomplish so far this year,” said MCC coach McPhail.

Cangiano is currently ranked second in the region, and will compete in his bracket’s championship match tomorrow.

“I always try to focus on the next shot ahead,” said Cangiano, who will be taking his talents next year to Denver's Metro State. “And I practice a lot, always trying to improve my game.

“I have been playing for eight years now, and excited about my opportunity to play on the Division II level.”

The Eagles also got wins from Gabriel Nicotra at No. 2 (6-2, 6-3) against Jones' Armand Deniakas; Andres Cepede at No. 3 (6-2, 6-1) against Jones' Tyler Shows; Wade Henderson at No. 5 (6-3, 6-2) against Hinds' Chris Tapia and Kyle Dew (6-1, 6-0) at No. 6. In doubles play, MCC's Jeremy Purdom and Nicotra won 6-1, 6-1 against Hinds' Duffy Loel and Donail Myles at No. 2; and Henderson and Brandyn Landry downed Hinds' Rowe Rhette and Tapia 6-2, 6-0.

MCC currently has seven points, just ahead of Itawamba's six. Hinds is third with three and JCJC has one.

The women’s No. 1 for MCC was equally as successful. Anna Vavrik also handed her opponent a straight set loss, 6-0, 6-0. Her dominant performance also vaulted herself into the championship match held tomorrow.

Vavrik, the ITA All-American, hails from Nadhodkha, Russia. She has been ranked as high as seventh in the nation, but she currently rests at the 19th spot. Vavrik is also heading west, but to a warmer climate at Hawaii Pacific.

Also advancing for MCC are Aline Ferreira at No. 2 (6-1, 6-1) against JCJC's Hannah Thomas; Savannah Zachry at No. 3; Jessica Halterman at No. 4; Kaley Allen at No. 5 and Indi Mire at No. 6. Meridian also won all three doubles matches to grab the first day lead with nine points. Jones is second with six, Gulf Coast has two and ICC has one.

Eagles Claim Runner-Up at District, Shoot 6-Under Final Round

(GREENVILLE, Ala.) - The Meridian Community College golf team claimed runner-up at the NJCAA District IV Championship Tuesday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail- Cambrian Ridge in Greenville, Ala.

The second place finish is the best showing for MCC at Districts.

The Eagles shot the low round of the event Tuesday with a six-under par team score of 278.

MCC was led by Brandt Garon on the final day as the freshman shot his thirteenth even-par or lower round of the season, a three-under par 68.

Sophomore Cory Williamson continued his stellar play with a final round one-under par 70. Freshmen Clemens Dvorak and Bo Reed each posted one-under par rounds of 70 to help the Eagles climb the leader board on the final day.

Sophomore Garrett Westbrook posted a six-over 77 on Tuesday.

"This was one of the lowest rounds of the season for us," said MCC golf coach Sean Covich.

"So proud of the guys, saved our best for last, six-under par round will give us confidence and momentum heading to nationals."

Central Alabama won the event with an 848, Meridian was in second with an 859, Brevard (FL) came in third with an 863. Walters State (TN) was in fourth with an 878, Wake Tech (NC) came in fifth with an 881 while Cape Fear (NC) got sixth with an 885.

Twelve teams from seven states participated in the event with the top six teams advancing to the NJCAA Division I national championship in May.

"We finished third last season so our goal was to improve with a win or runner-up and in doing so qualify for nationals," added Covich.

Individually Cory Williamson led MCC this week. The sophomore from Collins, MS shot 212 (74-68-70) and was named to the All-Tournament team.

Brandt Garon finished with a 214 (77-69-68).

Both Garon and Williamson were also named to the Golf Coaches Association of America's All Region Team.

Clemens Dvorak shot 217 (72-75-70), Garrett Westbrook had a 223 (71-75-77), while Bo Reed had a 229 (77-82-70).

MCC will now prepare to host their annual Alumni & Friends Scramble on Friday, May 14th before traveling to Huntsville, AL for the 2010 NJCAA National Championship on May 18th-21st.

South Mountain claims Lou Hart Invitational, Eagles top five

(MERIDIAN)- South Mountain Community College traveled over 1,500 miles from Phoenix, AZ to Meridian, MS to participate in the Second Annual Lou Hart Invitational hosted by Meridian Community College at historic Northwood Country Club.

The trip paid off for the No. 2 ranked Cougars, as South Mountain came from behind to win the team championship by six strokes over Indian Hills Community College out of Iowa on Tuesday.

South Mountain shot the low round of the tournament on Tuesday with a final round 294 to secure the win. The Cougars, coached by Jake Herrington, finished at 889.

Former NJCAA national champions, Indian Hills claimed runner-up at 895. Three-time NJCAA national champions, Darton College out of Georgia, finished in third at 898. Wallace State claimed fourth with a 903, while Meridian Community College improved to fifth place with a 298 on the final day to finish with a three round total of 905.

“We played a little better today,” said MCC coach Sean Covich.

“Still, overall disappointed to not play better on our home course but golf can be that way some days. A lot of golf to be played this year and as we saw this week that this is a deep roster with a lot of talent.”

Twelve teams from six states participated in the two day, 54-hole event played on the par 71, 6,362 yard long Northwood Country Club layout.

Central Alabama Community College sophomore, Zach Primavera, won the medalist title for the second consecutive year with rounds of 69-70-71 to shoot 3-under par, 210. The Ole Miss signee won by three shots over South Mountain’s Branden Barron. Barron finished at even-par, 213 and was named to the all tournament team. Joining Barron and Primavera on the all tournament team was: Dean Rikard of Wallace State with a 215 (+2), Taylor Welborn of Darton with a 218 (+5) and Darton’s Trey McQuaig who had a 220 (+7).

Individually for MCC, freshman Bo Reed of Tupelo, MS led the way with a top ten finish. Reed shot 72-74-76 to finish in seventh place.

MCC sophomore and NJCAA All American, Garrett Westbrook, recorded a top ten individual finish also with rounds of 75-75-74 to place in a tie for ninth.

Other MCC scores include: t15 Cory Williamson (76-75-75), t18 Nick Hawkes (79-74-74), t18 Brandt Garon (75-77-75), t25 Tanner Sparks (79-74-77), t30 Clemens Dvorak (76-81-74), t36 Oscar Mariscal (77-78-79), and 39th Adam Monsen (78-78-79).

The Eagles return to action next week in the Arkansas State University Red Wolf Classic, an NCAA DI event.

Meridian will start postseason play April 19-20 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail-Cambrian Ridge in Greenville, AL for the NJCAA District IV Championship. Top six teams from that event will advance to the NJCAA Division I National Championship in Huntsville, AL on May 18-21.

Indian Hills leads Lou Hart Invitational

(MERIDIAN) – Indian Hills Community College out of Iowa leads the Second Annual Lou Hart Invitational after the first 36 holes.

The 2000 NJCAA Division I national champions shot 291-301 for a two round total of 592 to take a three shot lead over South Mountain Community College out of Phoenix, Arizona. The Cougars shot a 595 (278-298). Three time NJCAA national champion, Darton College out of Georgia, is in third at 598 (299-299). Wallace State Community College is in fourth at 602 (301-301), while five time NJCAA national champion, Central Alabama is in fifth with a 606 (297-309).

Host- Meridian Community College “Green” team is tied with MCC’s “White” team in sixth place. Both Eagle squads are at 607.

“Not sure what happened to the guys today,” said fourth year MCC golf coach, Sean Covich.

“I guess the pressure of playing at home and expectations of playing well got to us today. Whenever your B-team is tied with you’re A-team, its not a good sign.”

Rounding out the team scoring is: Abraham Baldwin College in seventh at 614, Faulkner State in eighth with 617, Rend Lake College in tenth at 631, Andrew College in eleventh at 656, and Georgia Military in twelfth with a 670.

Leading the way for MCC today was freshman, Bo Reed of Tupelo, MS. Reed shot 146 (72-74) and is in seventh place. Sophomore Garrett Westbrook is in 16th place with a 150 (75-75). Sophomore Cory Williamson, of Collins, MS is tied for 16th with a 151 (76-75. Freshman Brandt Garon posted a 152 (75-77) to tie for 21st. Sophomores Nick Hawkes and Tanner Sparks are tied for 24 with 153, while freshman Oscar Mariscal is in 31st with 155. Freshman Adam Monsen posted a 156 and is in a tie for 36th, while freshman Clemens Dvorak had a 157 and is in a tie for 39th place.

Individually, Central Alabama sophomore Zach Primavera leads the medalist race with a 139 (69-70). The Ole Miss signee and defending Lou Hart Invitational medalist has a one shot lead over Darton’s Taylor Wellborn.

Twelve teams and 65 players are competing in the event.

Final rounds concludes Tuesday with 18 holes, play begins at 8:30 am off #1 and #10 tees.

MCC Tennis takes road wins

The Meridian Community College netters continued their success this week in regional matches against Itawamba Community College and Hinds Community College.

On Tuesday, the MCC men took a 7-2 victory and the women, playing without the number one and two players, took an 8-1 road win.

In men’s action, the number one doubles team of Andres Cepede and Lucio Cangiano and the number two doubles team, Jeremy Purdum and Gabriel Nicotra won 8-6 and 8-4 respectively. The number three doubles Wade Henderson and Brandyn Landry won in a tiebreak 9-8(4). Meridian took victories at number two singles, Gabriel Nicotra; number three, Andres Cepede; number five, Wade Henderson and number six, Kyle Dew. ICC’s Ethan Wilkerson defeated Lucio Cangiano in three sets. Cangiano had two match points for a win but did not pull it off. Jeremy Purdum lost at number four to ICC’s Alex Thomas, 2-6, 6-2, 10-3.

Meridian’s women’s only loss of the day was at number four singles. Indi Mire lost to Lori Byrd 6-2, 4-6, 11-9. Savannah Zachry, Jessica Halterman, Kaley Allen, Sumner Brown, and Shelley Munn won their single’s matches easily. The doubles team of Zachry/Halterman, Brown/Mire, and Allen/Munn all won easy victories at doubles.

On Wednesday, the MCC netters traveled to Raymond for a match with Hinds CC.

After a sluggish start, MCC’s men down 2-0 after number one and two doubles’ teams lost, rallied to take the victory 7-2.

The men’s number three team of Henderson/Landry claimed an easy victory to put MCC on the scoreboard. In hard fought matches at number one and number two singles, Lucio Cangiano and Gabriel Nicotra pulled off victories to bring the score to 3-2.

The rest of Meridian’s line-up breezed to easy victories.

In women’s action, MCC retired the order losing only twenty games the entire match.

Both Meridian teams will return to action on Tuesday, April 6 when they play host to William Carey College. The men host Marion Military Institute on April 7. Meridian’s women are now 8-1 on the season. Meridian’s men are now 7-2 with losses to the University of Memphis and Abraham Baldwin Community College.