Credit: Tommy Fleming | The News Herald

East Burke junior Elizabeth Abee watches her tee shot on the fourth hole during Mondays county-opening match at Pine Mountain Golf Course.

The Freedom High girls golf team scorched the falls opening-day, nine-hole round Monday at Pine Mountain Golf Course.

Led by medalist Megan Kirkseys 45, the Lady Patriots (139) posted three finishers in the 40s en route to a 10-stroke victory over host East Burke (149) on Monday. Patton (157) finished third while Draughn (176) took fourth.

Kirksey, a 3A state qualifier in 2011, made par at the 150-yard third hole with a lengthy putt.

Im happy with my score because I usually have problems on this course. I have started out this senior season well and am excited to see what else I can do, Kirksey said. I dont think anyone on our team broke 50 last year ... so it was exciting to see three players on our team shoot in the 40s.

Freedom senior Paula Davis and junior Annie Dehart each carded rounds of 47 to help pace the team, while Kayla Roether posted a 56 in her first high school round.

EB was paced by juniors Lauren Arney and Elizabeth Abees rounds of 49. Senior Jordan Moore turned in a 51 while freshman Morgan Byles tallied a 54.

Seniors Ali Stephens (51) and Emma Miller (52), along with sophomore Katie LeCroy (54), led the Lady Panthers scoring. Brittany Kimmer carded a 55 while the trio of Kaitlin Berry, Elizabeth Fisher and Caroline Smith fired rounds of 57.

Draughn, the defending county champs with only one returning starter in their lineup, battled the mountainous terrain with some obstacles but tamed other goals in the opening round. Sophomore Rachel Farley led the Lady Wildcats with a 58. Lindsey Lawson (59), Kailey Humphries (59) and Ashley Brittain (61) rounded out the DHS scoring.

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Kirskey, Freedom capture county's opening girls golf match