Submitted photo – Madyson Nelson in action at Beau Pre Golf Course on Thursday.

Defending H-DNL girls golf champion Madyson Nelson got the 2024 league campaign off to a big start on Thursday.

The Arcata golfer dominated the rest of the field with a round of 96 on the opening day of league play at Beau Pre Golf Course in McKinleyville.

Nelson’s round was 13 strokes better than anyone else.

Del Norte’s Bria Larson had the second best round of the day with a 109, followed by Arcata’s Lily Cunningham with a 112.

St. Bernard’s Estella Monaghan also impressed with a round of 115, followed by Arcata’s Lucia Hernandez, who rounded out the top five with a 119.

The Arcata Tigers finished with three girls in the top five to get the defense of their team championship off to an impressive start.

McKinleyville’s Jaxin Bartoo (120), Del Norte’s Charley Tygart (121), St. Bernard’s Ingrid Monaghan (121), Fortuna’s Mariah Bravo (123) and McKinleyville’s Addie Morrison (125) had the sixth through 10th best rounds of the day.

Thursday’s round was the first of seven in league play this fall.

The H-DNL girls will be back in action next Thursday at Benbow.