MCC Golf Begins 2015-2016 Season With Strong Finish

From School Reports

The Meridian Community College opened the 2015-2016 season over the weekend by placing second overall at the MACJC Event #1 which was hosted by Hinds Community College at the Eagle Ridge Golf Course in Jackson, MS. MCC freshman Lance Strickland finished his first collegiate golf tournament tied for first after shooting 74 and 67 over the weekend. The Meridian native and Lamar School standout ended play tied with Grant Motter of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The two played five playoff holes, but Motter was able to collect a birdie on the sixth playoff to claim the tournament title.

"Lance showed a lot of confidence and poise in the playoff,” said MCC head coach Ronnie Key. "He played great all day and continued during the playoff. To come through time and again in pressure situations shows a lot about his ability and makeup."

The Eagles led by eight strokes after shooting a first round 287 (-1), but shot 295 (582 total) for the second round to come up three strokes short. Gulf Coast (582) placed first with East Central (600) placing third.

MCC placed two players on the All-Tournament Team which included Strickland and Grant Renegar (71,74). Quitman native Colby Evans recorded his first top 10 finish by shooting 73, 75. Camden Backel shot 69, 80 for the Eagles while Heath Newsom shot 75, 79. Playing as individuals, Clayton Gray shot 81, 78 and Owen Patter shot 80, 81.

MCC will return to action September 19-20 by taking part in the MACJC Event #2 which will be hosted Northeast Mississippi Community College at the Shiloh Ridge Golf Course in Corinth, MS.