-- — What a way to start the 2012 golf season.

The Batesville High School golf team got off to a furious start with three invitationals over a three day stretch.

The Lady Bulldogs hit the road on Monday and traveled to Bear Chase golf course for the Shelbyville Invitational.

Playing without one of their top players from a season ago, coach Tom Meyer’s crew placed fifth in a 12-team field.

The Lady Bulldogs carded a team score of 419 strokes. Whiteland won the team title with a score of 367 followed by Lebanon (380), Roncalli (386) and Mooresville (415).

Batesville was led by sophomore Madison McCreary with an 18-hole score of 90.  Senior Alex Heidlage was next in line with a 98, while Lauren Duncan added a 109. Freshman Samantha Heidlage rounded out the team score with a 122.

Greensburg and North Decatur were sixth and seventh, respectively.

One day later, the Lady Bulldogs played at the eventual regional tournament course in New Castle.

McCreary carded a score of 91 on the Westwood Golf Course layout. She had a 44 on the front nine and followed up with a 47 on the back.

Alex Heidlage turned in a 47 on  both nines for a 94, which was second best on the team. Duncan was third with a 103, while Staci Records had a 115 and Samantha Heidlage added a 123.

Union County placed first in the 12-team field with a score of 335 followed by Hagerstown at 340. Batesville was eighth with a score of 403.

The Lady Bulldogs capped the grueling start to the season with a trip to Liberty Country Club on Wednesday.

Batesville  was fourth with a team score of 411 strokes. Host Union County was first with 349, while Richmond (381) and Wapahani (405) rounded out the top three.

Alex Heidlage led the Lady Bulldogs with an 18-hole score of 87. She tallied a 44 on the front nine and followed with a 43 on the back.

McCreary was second with a 94, including a 41 on the front nine. Duncan (102), Samantha Heidlage (128) and Records (132) rounding out the scoring for coach Meyer.