ANKENY - Kelly Boleyn sits just outside the Top-10 after the opening round of the Region XI Championship here at Otter Creek Golf Course on Saturday.

The Iowa Central golfer fired an 88, which has her in a tie for 12th. Luisa Gibson from Iowa Western leads after her round of 73. 

"(Saturday) was a difficult day for Kelly," Iowa Central head coach Kris Graewin said. "She knows she can play better and wants to play better, but she was really nervous and was fighting her confidence all day.

"One good thing is that she didn't have her best but she was still able to put herself in a position to make it through. With the Top-15 players in our region heading to nationals, she's weathered the storm of a struggling day and now we can refocus and be ready to go.

"She's a fiery competitor and I'm excited to get back to work with her in the morning."

In the team race, Iowa Western is first with a 324 followed by Des Moines Area, Iowa Lakes and North Iowa Area. The Reivers have won eight of the last 10 regional tournaments.

Qualifiers for nationals after Sunday will be the winning team along with the next 10 best finishers.

-By Dana Becker