EMCC Lions finish seventh at Gulf Coast Invitational in men’s golf spring opener
The East Mississippi Community College men’s golf team opened spring play with a seventh-place finish at this week’s Gulf Coast Invitational.
DIAMONDHEAD – The East Mississippi Community College men's golf team opened spring play with a seventh-place finish at this week's Gulf Coast Invitational.
With their third seventh-place team showing of the 2023-24 golf season, the EMCC Lions improved eight strokes from Monday's opening round to post Tuesday's 323 team score on the Pine Course at The Club at Diamondhead.
For the fifth time in six tournaments this season, freshman Lorenzo Ligabue, from Italy, was EMCC's leading scorer by carding rounds of 79 and 78 to finish in a five-way tie for 19th place.
Reigning district tournament participant Carter Martin (Canton Academy) was next for the Lions after firing a pair of 80s to place 26th overall in the two-day event hosted by Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Freshman Trace Carpenter (Kosciusko/Winona Christian School) tied for 35th place with rounds of 84 and 82 for the Lions. Fellow frosh Haavard Haakensen, from Norway, shaved five strokes off his first-round score to finish tied for 44th with a 171 total (88-83).
Sophomore Ben Boggan (Yazoo City/Benton Academy) rounded out EMCC's spring-opening scorecard (91-90-181).
The top-ranked and host Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs swept the spring opener by winning the team title over runner-up Meridian by 31 strokes (583-614). Headed by medalist Andrew Zielinski (71-70—141), Gulf Coast claimed five of the top six individual finishes.
Head coach Ashton Maddaloni's EMCC Lions are scheduled to next compete in the William Carey University Showcase on Feb. 20. The one-day tournament will be held at Canebrake Country Club in Hattiesburg.