LEXINGTON, Ohio — She’s not playing in the Championship Flight of the Tri-County Women’s Golf Tournament, but Sheila VanLoo played herself into championship contention during the opening round.

Playing in the First Flight — golfers are placed into one of four flights based on handicap — VanLoo carded an 85 on a steamy Wednesday afternoon at Pebble Creek Golf Club. She leads the First Flight by three strokes and is just one stroke behind Championship Flight and overall leader Linda Kidwell.

The final round of the 36-hole event is Friday at Shelby Country Club.

“I was pleased with the way I played. I kind of grew up on this course, which helped,” VanLoo said. “I don’t think it’s going to be as easy on Friday. Shelby plays a lot longer.”

VanLoo leads Joyce Vanatter (88) by three shots in the First Flight. Cheryl Tyree (89) is third.

In the Championship Flight, Kidwell has a five-stroke advantage over Vicky Varvel (89). Katie Roesch (90) is third.

Kidwell finished third in the Championship Flight last year. Roesch was second.

“The conditions were kind of difficult. It was tough out there,” Varvel said. “I’m a member at Shelby so hopefully I’ll play well there.”

Carol Miley shot a 96 Wednesday and leads the Second Flight by two shots over Rose Jaynes (98). Carol Wasylenski and Marge Swarer are tied for third after opening round 105s.

In Third Flight action, Cindy Scohy shot a 108 and has a four-stroke lead over Deb Dostal and Barb Larrabee (112).

The tournament drew 30 participants.

“We have the same number of players this year as we did last year,” Tri-County Women’s Golf Association Cheryl TyRee said. “We had hoped to grow the tournament a little bit this year, but several girls had things going on and couldn’t play.

“It’s a very good group of girls.”

TyRee expects Friday’s closing round to be exciting.

“It’s very competitive,” TyRee said. “Nobody is running away with it. Anything could happen Friday.”