Melissa Edmonson knew she would be testing her golf skills like never before this season, when she decided to transfer to Westminster Christian.

The Warriors have no other girls' golfers.

So Edmonson took on the challenge of playing on the boys' team.

''I've had to get used to courses that are at least 800 yards longer than what I was used to,'' Edmonson said. ``It's made my game much better, though. The first time I beat some of the guys, they were impressed and we had a few laughs. It's been fun.''

Edmonson was back in a girls' competition Wednesday afternoon, and showing off her improved game at Palmetto Golf Course by winning the Youth Fair Invitational girls' individual championship.

Edmonson, The Miami Herald's Girls' Golfer of the Year as a sophomore at Coral Reef, shot a 3-under-par 76 to beat Gulliver's Caroline Herald by three strokes.

Carrollton took home its fourth consecutive team title with a team score of 10-over 375. Carrollton was led by Alexandra Perez and Jennifer Villa, each of whom shot an 80.

Edmonson credited her experience this year for her first Youth Fair title.

Edmonson is no stranger to posting low scores that would rank at the top of the county regardless of gender. Last season at regionals, she shot a 73 that would have ranked in the top five among her male counterparts.

So far this season, she consistently has had the second-best score on the team, behind Ian Facey, who shot a 74 at Tuesday's boys competition.

Edmonson finished in the top 20 at the state Class 2A meet last year. In Class 1A, however, she knows she will need her best to beat some of the top golfers in the state.

''I've learned how to play the ball better after the first shot, and my putting has improved,'' Edmonson said. ``I know I'm going to need a great day this time to beat some of the girls in Broward. But I don't get nervous in a big tournament anymore.''

BERRY ON ESPN COVER

Palmetto senior running back Jaamal Berry has been selected to appear on the September cover of ESPN RISE Magazine.

Berry, rated the top running back in the nation by ESPN, also is rated the No. 11 overall prospect and has made an oral commitment to Ohio State. Berry has 202 yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns this season.

YOUTH FAIR

RESULTS

• Team scores: 1. Carrollton 375; 2. Gulliver 396; 3. Ransom Everglades 413; 4. Palmetto 449; 5. Coral Reef 460.

• Individual results (Par 79): 1. Melissa Edmonson (WC) 76; 2. Caroline Herald (GUL) 79; 3. Alex Perez (CAR) 80; 4. Jennifer Villa (CAR) 80; 5. Ashlee Shimmel (Miami Country Day) 85; 6. Julie Olmo (GUL), Melissa Koniver (PAL) and Carolina Garrett (RE) 89; 9. Marie McGrath (CAR) 95; 10. Ledah Geller (PT) 99.

BOYS' GOLF

• Ransom Everglades 186, LaSalle 192 (At Granada CC Par 36): Michael Pont (LAS) 36, Jimmy McNamara (RAN) 42, Andres Fernandez (RAN) 47. RAN 3-5.

• Archbishop Curley 158, University School 180 (At Miami Shores CC Par 35): Irvin Matutina (CUR) 38, Nelson Fernandez (CUR) 39, Misha Orosz (CUR) 40. CUR 8-1.

GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL

• North Miami Beach d. North Miami 25-19, 25-17, 25-17: Rebecca Morris led North Miami Beach (3-3) with five kills, eight aces, 14 points and three assists. Maranatha Volcy added five kills, five aces and seven points and Ghislaine Denis had one dig, five aces and eight points.

• Dr. Krop d. Barbara Goleman 25-11, 25-10, 25-18: Stephanie Toledo led Dr. Krop (10-0) with 11 kills and three aces. Sara Napolitano added 17 assists and Brittany Dubins had six kills, three digs and three aces.

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