FORT COLLINS, Colo. - University of Idaho golfer Kayla Mortellaro opened the 2010-11 season in winning fashion with a nine-under par 207 to win the Ptarmigan Ram Fall Classic by two strokes over Colorado's Emily Talley.

Mortellaro had rounds of 70-67-70 in compiling her 207, which, coach Lisa Johnson said, was a tribute to her management of her short game.

"She showed tremendous mental toughness and maturity," Johnson said. "I've seen a lot of growth in Kayla's game. She's so much more mentally tough."

That toughness showed, Johnson said, when Mortellaro needed to punch a six-iron into the wind on a crucial par-3 down the stretch. By the time the ball landed on the green, Mortellaro had a birdie opportunity. She played the entire tournament with only one bogey per round while dropping in 12 birdies.

As a team, the Vandals finished 16th with a 919. Junior Teo Poplawski tied for 16th with a two-over 218 with Rachel Choi finishing 87th at 243, Allyssa Nillsson finishing 91st at 251 and Gracie Schory finishing 93rd at 259.