The defending Division 1 state champion Saline High School girls golf team has a tough hill to climb, but it's been there before.

After the first day of the state championships at The Meadows at Grand Valley State, the Hornets are in sixth place and trail first-place Grosse Pointe South by 23 strokes. Pioneer finished the Friday round in 11th place.

Saline head coach Betsy French feels her team, which shot a first round 371, can make up the ground.

“I think they’re feeling hopeful," she said. "Two years ago, we improved 25 strokes on the second day when we finished second."

Leading Saline was sophomore Emily White, who shot an 81, good for fifth on the individual leaderboard, 7 shots off the lead.

“Emily played great today, she was really hitting strong irons to the greens," French said. "And she two-putted every green."

Going into Saturday's final round, French and her team have a game plan and are hoping to get back into the thick of things.

“We want to give ourselves a chance to get up there and be competitive.”

While the Pioneer players were not happy with their first-round score of 400, their coach, Steve Rodriguez, was pleased.

“To be in 11th place with a group of kids as young as we are is pretty darn exciting," Rodriguez said. “I’m really proud of the way our group of kids played.”

The Pioneers were paced by Sloane Supica's 87. Rodriguez said the junior played better as the conditions on the course got worse.

“At the turn she said 'my back nine is going to be better,'" Rodriguez said. “There’s not too many players pound-for-pound that are as gutty as she is. I’ll take her any day of the week.”

Extremely harsh winds took over the course after about six holes, with wind speeds reaching 35 miles per hour. Players were forced to make major adjustments in order to keep shots in line.

"This fall we haven’t had a lot of wind to play in, so until you actually play in it, it’s a whole different ball game," French said.

On top of the rough conditions, The Meadows can be a very challenging place to play.

“The Meadows is a really tough test of golf," Rodriguez said. " There is a great separation factor, and really a challenging layout."

Huron junior Madison Smith, who qualified as an individual, finished her round with a 96.

More windy conditions are expected for Saturday's final round, which starts at 10 a.m.

More on MLive.com: Division 1 results

MORE GOLF

Dexter sophomore Mary So shot a 90 at the Division 2 championships, placing her 13 shots behind the leader. The tournament is being held at Katke-Cousins Golf Course at Oakland University. So qualified as an individual.

More on MLive.com: Division 2 results

In Division 4 play at Forest Akers East Golf Course at Michigan State University, Greenhills' Annie Aldrich is six shots off the lead after shooting an 82, leaving her tied for seventh. Aldrich's team wasn't so fortunate. The Gryphons shot a 382, leaving them 53 shots behind first-place Lansing Catholic Central.

Father Gabriel Richard is sitting even further behind after a disappointing 410 keeps the Fighting Irish 81 shots off the lead. Pacing Gabriel Richard was Aspen Sims, who shot a 93.

More on MLive.com: Results