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The Moffat County High School girls golf team used mid-70s temperatures and its home course as advantages Monday to take first place among six teams.

MCHS junior Meghan Innes led the Bulldogs with a personal record of 77, passing her previous best by one stroke.

"I started out a little rough, but started to par and play more consistent," Innes said. "I never got a double bogey, and a five was the highest I shot on any hole today."

Innes said the familiarity of Yampa Valley Golf Course was beneficial.

"It is definitely nice to be at home for once," she said. "You know the course, what clubs to use and are more comfortable in general."

Senior Amber Nicholson shot a 79 and classmate Emily Krogman got a 92 to pace the Bulldogs.

The trio's combined 248 score was seven strokes better than 5A Grand Junction.

"I'm pretty happy with it," Nicholson said. "Seventy-nine is the second best I have done this season score wise."

MCHS coach Ann Marie Hamilton was ecstatic to have two girls break 80 in their respective rounds on the par 72 course.

"This is big," Hamilton said. "I think all of the girls are confident on the home course."

Freshman Heather Nicholson (98) and junior Elizabeth Hepworth (127) also played at the varsity level, but at the high school level the top three scores contribute to the team total.

Senior Melissa Ellgen (116) and junior Clarissa Dilldine (130) represented the Bulldogs at the junior varsity level.

With a contingency of family and friends supporting their every shot, the Bulldogs seemed nervous at the beginning of the tournament but more at ease as the round progressed.

"I think being at home makes a big difference," Amber Nicholson said.

Despite the success on the scorecard, Amber Nicholson said the course was not good for her.

"Usually I'm not in the trees, but for some reason I was all over the place today," she said.

MCHS travels to Rifle Creek Golf Course on May 7 and 8 for Western Slope regional play. The time is to be announced.