May 9, 2008

LINCOLN, Calif. - Kansas golfer Emily Powers cut three shots off her first-round score at the NCAA West Regional as she shot a 77 in the second round of the tournament on Friday.

Powers, who opened the tournament with an 80 on Thursday, shot a consistent 77 on Friday on her second trip around the Lincoln Hills Golf Course.  Powers, who is competing as an individual, enters Saturday's final round in a tie for 87^th place.

The sophomore started the day with a double-bogey before running off five straight pars.  She then lost four strokes in the next four holes before playing the final eight holes at one under par.

"I started out a little rough, but the last eight holes were a lot better," Powers said.  "I am not overly excited about how I played, but each round is a good learning experience.  I feel like I can go out and shoot a lot better than I have the past two days."

Twenty-one teams and three individuals are competing for spots in the NCAA Championship.  Therese Koelbaek of UNLV leads the individual race at seven-under par after shooting 69-68.