MOUNT PLEASANT – Blanket Lady Tiger Karli Kinkade shot an opening round 80 Wednesday at the Region III-A girls golf tournament at Mount Pleasant Country Club and owns a nine-stroke lead heading into Thursday’s final 18 holes.

The nearest competitor is Three Way’s Cara Bolt, who carded an 89 on Wednesday.

Should Kinkade maintain her form in the second round, she’ll clinch a spot in the UIL Class A Girls Golf State Tournament at Plum Creek Golf Course in Kyle May 6-7.

Kinkade captured a bronze medal at the state tournament a year ago.