Ferris State University Takes the Lead at NCDGC Championship Flight Competition

Ferris State University is on a mission to become three-time National Collegiate Disc Golf Champions. The Bulldogs have taken a two-shot lead into Saturday's final day of competition at the International Disc Golf Center, with a team total of 12-under par 463 after 36 holes. North Carolina State gives chase at 10-under, and the rest of the field trails significantly.

In the Women's Flight, Southern Arkansas University has taken control, extending its lead to 12 shots over Liberty University. The defending champions from Liberty will need a remarkable comeback to challenge for the title on Saturday. Meanwhile, Oregon's A team is in third place with a score of 46-over par.

Ferris State's fifth-year senior Sam Mrdeza attributes their success to the team's experience and chemistry. "It's a national championship - I wouldn't expect to not have to work for it," he said. The Bulldogs' squad, including Ryan Brophy, Carl Bouman, Patrick Nemmer, and Mrdeza, has been playing together for several years now, with nine additional appearances at the NCDGC between them.

In contrast, Southern Arkansas University's Madi Chitwood and Whitney Brown are relatively new to competing against other teams. They had not competed in a women's team event before this week and were expected to struggle. However, they have taken a 28-over par lead into Saturday, with Chitwood commenting, "I definitely did not expect it - it is definitely surprising."

On an individual level, Mrdeza is one shot behind the leader heading into the final round of singles competition. He has aspirations of making history alongside teammate Ryan Brophy by becoming the first individual competitors to play on three championship-winning squads.

The teams will compete for their respective titles on Saturday at the International Disc Golf Center, with Ferris State and North Carolina State in a two-horse race in the men's Championship Flight. In the Women's Flight, Southern Arkansas University looks set to take home the title, but Liberty University and Oregon's A team are still in contention.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/ferris-state-southern-arkansas-aim-making-history