The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebel Golf Maintains Lead At Linger-Longer
3/15/2008 | Men's Golf
The Rebels, who held a one-shot lead after the opening round, maintained their composure when the conditions became tough on the back nine and stand at 7-under par for the tournament.
The wind blew throughout the day and by mid-afternoon was a constant 20-25 mph. Rain came in with three groups left on the course and when thunder and lightning cut through the sky, play was stopped. The final threesome Ole Miss, Georgia and Tennessee-Chattanooga was on its way to the 18th tee.
When another storm cell moved through the area a short time later, one that produced heavy rain and marble-size hail, play was called for the day. The last group will complete its 18th hole Sunday morning as the third and final round gets underway.
“Our guys played well on the back nine, under tough windy conditions,” head coach Ernest Ross said. “We’ve had the lead in the first round of three tournaments this spring, and we are really determined to continue to play well. I credit our guys with mental toughness and persistence. We’ve learned a lot about how to manage our emotions with a tournament lead.”
After getting off to a tough start to the day (+8), the Rebels rebounded on the back nine to shoot under par, led by senior Kyle Ellis. Ellis finished his day with birdies on 15, 16 and 18 for a 1-under 71.
Freshman Johnny Delprete started off 2-over but came in at 1-under for a 73. Junior Jesse Speirs carded a 74 and, freshman Jonathan Randolph rallied for a 74 after a triple-bogey on the first hole.
The final round will take place Sunday, with the Rebels teeing off beginning at 9:10 a.m. CT. Live scoring is available at www.OleMissSports.com by clicking on the link in the upcoming events box.
