ST. GEORGE - For a season-opening girls golf tournament, the four 3A Region 9 teams had their share of jitters. From short putts that ended up a little short to checking and double-checking of score cards, there was plenty of off season rust to shake off.

St. George - For a With all of its scores in the 40s, Desert Hills shook off its a little bit better on a glorious sun-splashed day at SunRiver Golf Course.

Hannah Folks had the low nine-hole score of the day with a 41, and the Thunder finished with a four-player total of 184, 15 strokes better than runner-up Hurricane. Folks edged Tigers freshman Lani LeBaron by a single shot.

"I have to give a big thanks to the JAG program," Thunder head coach Laurie Cook said. "They've all been involved, and junior golf is strong in St. George."

Three of the Thunder's returning players - Folks, her sister Sarah and Tesia Swaydan - also have experience on last year's team that finished third at the 3A state championships.

The teams had to be switched to the back nine of the SunRiver layout, and it proved to be a bit of an issue in LeBaron's round.

"I messed up on a couple of holes, but my putting and chipping saved me," said the freshman, who was playing her first varsity match. "I was really nervous."

LeBaron's best shot was a 7-iron approach into the 12th hole that landed within five feet. She made the putt for par.

The Thunder's team card was rounded out by a 46 from Sarah Folks, Swaydan's 48 and a 49 by freshman Ashley Kraft.

"Ashley's been in golf since she was seven years old," Cook said. "Her mom's a big golfer."

For Hurricane's 199 team total, LeBaron carded a 42, Courtney Adamson shot 51, Stephanie Cluff had a 52 and Jessica Johnson topped it off with a 54.

Cedar was next in the standings at 229, led by a 55 from Alex Vanscoyk. Kimber Cox added a 56, followed by Taylor Davis (57) and Courtnie Duncan (61).

Canyon View finished with a 248 team total. Brittani Mattson led the Falcons with a 59, followed by Jodi Sorenson (61), Alyssa Lemich (64) and Lindsey Olcutt (64).

The teams will move on to play nine holes at Sand Hollow next Thursday.