Mexico High School golf girls

A pair of medal winners led Mexico High School golf girls to a first-place team finish in Wednesday's Paris Invitational, their opening tournament of the young season.

Layne Ray shot 87 and Haley Auwarter 98 for the Lady Bulldogs, Ray winning a scorecard playoff to beat Harrisburg's Amy Thornill for top individual honors. Paris' Kaidy Heitmeyer placed third with 95, while Auwarter took sixth after another scorecard playoff8.

Team scores read Mexico 403, Paris 410, Centralia 422 with eight schools fielding full teams.

"We had a great day. I'm so proud of how we played and the poise we showed considering the conditions," MHS coach Lindsey Yancey said. "We had several girls achieve season bests and even career bests on a course that isn't necessarily difficult but was in very rough condition."

Ray got off to a solid start with 45 for the first nine holes, then finished even stronger on the back nine with a 42 to tie Thornhill for the lowest nine.

Auwarter also improved the more she played, going 51 out but 47 in. Rounding out the Mexico totals were Kaylee Stone 50-55/105, Abby Hoer 59-54/113 and Jessica Slagel 55-59/114.

"I just couldn't be prouder. From my No. 1 to my No. 5, my girls all played hard and the practice they've been putting in is reflected in the success they had," the MHS coach noted.

"This is a tourney we enjoy every year, playing some schools from our district. It's a nice preview for us of teams we will be seeing all season long in other tournaments and in dual matches, so we're looking forward to continuing our success."

MHS plays Tuesday at NCMC rival Moberly.