MCC's Smith nails Pine Belt

By By Shawn Wansley / EMG sports writer
March 31, 2004
MOSELLE Matthew Smith had no idea what to expect when he teed it up Tuesday in the Jones Junior College Invitational here at Pine Belt National Golf Club.
But, the Meridian Community College golfer was quite pleased with the outcome.
In the Division II portion of the tournament, Hinds edged MCC for the top spot. The HCC Eagles fashioned a 290, followed by MCC at 295. Northeast was third at 303 and Gulf Coast followed at 305.
In the Division III part of the tournament, Co-Lin won it with a 303, followed by Jones at 321. Co-Lin's Craig Smith posted a 3-under par 69 to claim medalist honors for Division III.
MCC's Smith had birdies on Nos. 2, 6, 11 and 15 to shoot 34-34. It was quite a turnaround from his performance in Sunday's Rush Redgate Tournament at the Meridian NAS course and Monday's Gulf Coast Invitational at Pine Burr Golf Club in Wiggins.
On the Division III level, David Hagan (76) and Matt Easterwood (79), both of Jones, Craig Smith of Co-Lin (74), and Josh Tidwell and Jeremy Aldridge, both of Northwest (77), were named to the All-Tournament team.
Jones coach Ed Smith was pleased to see his team finish second and grab a team trophy.
On the Division II level, Matt Garren (70) of Holmes, Gabe Null (71) of Northeast and Josh Oller (71), Austin Brown (71) and Brian Gates (73), all of Hinds, were named to the All-Tournament team.
Ed Smith credited Pine Belt pro Rich Fulkerson and his staff with having the course in excellent shape for the tournament.
The juco golf circuit goes to Wolf Hollow Golf Club for the Co-Lin Invitational Sunday at Wesson and heads to Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Raymond for the Hinds Invitational Monday.