May 9, 2003

Results

TEMPE, Ariz. - For the second straight day, UNLV freshman Sunny Oh posted the best score of the day at the NCAA West Regional, carding a 71 to take a four-stroke lead at Karsten Golf Course on Friday.

Oh fought off terrible winds throughout the afternoon round and scored three birdies on the difficult back nine to match the best round posted for the second round. Only two other players finished the day under par.

"I'm proud but not really surprised," UNLV head coach Missy Ringler said. "Sunny is the caliber of player that can go out and win a tournament like this. She is one of the best freshman in the nation, and I expect her to play near the top every time she steps onto the golf course."

Unlike Thursday's opening round, Oh's play was not enough to carry the team alone. None of the rest of the Rebels' lineup broke 80, and the team recorded a 28-over par 316 for the day, slipping into a tie for 10th place with Oregon State.

Despite dropping on the leaderbaord, the Rebels sit just six strokes behind Stanford for eighth place and the final qualifying position for the NCAA Championship.

Southern California retained the team lead, but needed 23 more strokes to finish Friday's round than it used in the opener. At five-over par, the Trojans enjoy a nine stroke lead over Oklahoma State.

The Rebels figured a pair of 81s into Friday's team total, turned in by senior Erin Borcherts and sophomore Christine Hentzner. Both players improved upon their first round score in more difficult playing conditions.

"I think we let out emotions get the best of us today and didn't stay very mentally tough," Ringler said.

Rounding out the team total was an 83 from Hwanhee Lee, who battled a bout with the stomach flu throughout the round. Elena Kurokawa's 85 was discarded.

"I think a 295 tomorrow will get us in," Ringler added.

UNLV will tee off for the final round at 11:40 a.m. on Saturday.