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A&M Consolidated's girls emerged from the first round of the District 13-5A golf tournament as overwhelming favorites, the same way they entered. To the relief of their coach, the Lady Tigers came out of spring break pretty much the way they went in.
Defending individual medalist Casey Grice (73) and teammate Erin Jang (78) were the only players to break 80 on Monday at Pebble Creek Country Club, helping Consol post an opening score of 321. The Lady Tigers jumped to a 62-shot lead over second-place Temple with two more rounds to be played over the next two weeks.
Temple's team total of 383 put the Tem-Cats two strokes ahead of Belton. The Bryan girls are fourth at 396.
The top two teams and top two individuals not on those teams will qualify for the regional tournament.
Consol was expected to dominate the 13-5A tourney after winning with a young team last year. Coach Mike Terral was looking for more than a comfortable lead after 18 holes on the Lady Tigers' home course.
"Before spring break, we were playing pretty well," Terral said. "I was really concerned about whether we could keep the momentum going, and I hope we've done that."
Along with the top rounds by Grice and Jang, the Lady Tigers got an 83 from Haley Green, who plays No. 4. Kim Gibson, the only senior on a first team otherwise filled with sophomores, shot an 87. Shiki Cheruku had a 94.
"I thought Haley Green turned in an extraordinary score," Terral said. "I think 82 might be her personal record, but the thing I like is she's consistently starting to turn in better numbers."
Junior Sarah Jin posted a career-best 87 to lead Consol's second team.
Kelsey Dickson shot the low score for Bryan with an 89. Kayli Clay added a 98, while Courtney Bosquez shot 101, Mary Hicks had a 108 and Elly Hughes was at 123. Competing as an individual medalist, Lizzi Alderete shot 140.
"That's our lowest score of the spring," Bryan coach Ron Newhouse said. "We've gotten a little better each time we've played. If we continue to improve each week, then we've got a shot at making it to regionals. We are in the hunt, and all I wanted to do was stay in the hunt."
McKenzie Ralston shot an 86 to lead Temple, while Belton's best score was an 87 by Hilary Elrod.
Consol's second team was in fifth place at 429. The other scores for the Lady Tigers were Amanda Beard at 96, Caroline Adams at 119, Hannah Hawkins at 127 and Eunice Quiroga at 138.
The second round will be played at Temple next week.
The boys tournament will begin Tuesday in Temple.
• Larry Bowen's e-mail address is larry.bowen@theeagle.com.
