Bulldogs leap back to No. 1

PERKINSTON — Mississippi Gulf Coast is back on top of the Bushnell Golfweek NJCAA Division II Coaches Poll.

The Bulldogs picked up all three first-place votes in the poll conducted by the Golf Coaches Association of America. They had been ranked fourth in the preseason poll. 

"I'm really excited for the guys after all the work they've put in since August," Gulf Coast coach Brad Thornton said. "To see those benefits and get recognition is great. We know the job isn't finished, and we need to continue to get better. Ultimately, the tournament at the end of May is the only thing that matters."

The Bulldogs dominated the fields at the NJCAA Preview event in Joplin, Mo., and the Warrior Invitational this week to make the jump. They beat previous No. 1 and defending national champions Kirkwood in Missouri and moved past South Mountain and Parkland.

Gulf Coast will play in the Bobcat Invitational hosted by Jones on Oct. 16-17 before wrapping up fall play in the MGCCC Invitational on Oct. 30-31.

The national championship will be played at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin on May 21-24. 

For more information on MGCCC's 11 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCBulldogs on Twitter and MGCCCBulldogs on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.