The girls golf season got underway Monday at the Country Club, and Hickory launched the first attack on the top of the standings.

Meadville, led by Alyssa Gerhart, finished a slightly disappointing fifth out of five teams in the first Region 1 match. Gerhart carded a 43 to take home medalist honors, but the absence of two golfers left the Bulldogs with just three scores. That meant a no card for score No. 4 and no chance of a better finish.

Still, girls coach Mike Ditzenberger was pleased with the outcome.

“I like these scores,” said Ditzenberger. “Alyssa shot a 43 and Carly (Gordon) put up a good number. They are only going to get better as the season goes along.”

Gerhart was slightly less happy with her round.

Despite posting the best score of the day, the MASH senior felt she left plenty on the course. She pointed to a pair of double bogeys, but also said she knows they were caused by mistakes she can easily fix.

“I need to focus more,” said Gerhart. “I wasn’t happy with the double bogeys. I didn’t putt too well but, overall, it wasn’t too bad.”

As for the Hornet, the key was consistency.

Hickory came home with five scores in the 40s. Katie Lyons led the way with a 45, while Olivia Landino and Kaitlynn Flannery each fired a 48. Heather Blair and Becca Lazar finished with 49s, although only one was counted for the team score.

Kennedy Catholic was second for the round, finishing with a score of 237. Caroline Collins, who fired a 49, led the Golden Eagles. It was one of just eight scores in the 40s, joining the five Hickory golfers, and Meadville’s Gerhart and Gordon (48).

Rocky Grove, making its return to District 10 this year, finished third with a score of 249. Reynolds followed with a 256.

Next up for Meadville is the second Region 1 match on Thursday. Rocky Grove will host the match at Lucky Hills Golf Course in Franklin. The Bulldogs hope for a better showing as they should be back at full strength.

“We should have all five on Thursday,” said Ditzenberger. “We should be at full strength on Monday (for the third Region 1 match) also. I don’t think this first match is going to set a tone for anything.

“So we have a chance (the rest of the way).”