FORT HOOD - The Belton girls golf team will return to the regional tournament after a one-year absence, and the Lady Tigers will be joined by an up-and-coming standout from just down the road.

Belton carded a 373 to secure second place in the team standings, and Temple freshman McKenzie Ralston fired an 81 to earn a share of third place in the individual rankings during the final round of the District 13-5A Tournament on Wednesday at The Courses of Clear Creek.

The top two teams and top two other individuals qualified for the Class 5A Region II Tournament, meaning the Ralston and the Lady Tigers will compete April 22-23 at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course in Waco.

“It’s great to be going back,” said Belton coach Sherry Ayres, whose squad’s absence last year broke a string of regional appearances. “You play all of the earlier tournaments for experience, but once you get to district it’s all about trying to advance, so I’m excited that the girls met that goal.”

Ralston’s three-round total of 245 put her in a tie for third with Belton’s Hilary Elrod, who also closed with an 81 before making par on the first playoff hole to claim the bronze medal.

“As a freshman, (Ralston) has brought home a lot of hardware,” Temple coach Aaron Rodeffer said. “She had a real solid district tournament. She was disappointed with the finish, but it’s a big deal for her to advance as a freshman.”

Ralston and Elrod finished behind Casey Grice (75-218) and Erin Jang (79-235) of College Station A&M Consolidated (329-953), which won the team title.

“Hilary really played well,” Ayres said. “She has been working to become a more consistent golfer. So for her to play that well, even in the pressure of a playoff, is a big stride for her.”

Belton had a three-round total of 1,106 and was followed by Temple (394-1,143), Bryan (414-1,172) and Belton II (428-1,307).

In the individual standings, Belton’s Kessler Tormey (92-277) was eighth, and Temple’s Jordin Moreno (104-283) and Belton’s Courtney Weise (99-283) tied for ninth.