May 6, 2008

Results

PHOENIX, AZ - Kaitlin Parker (Jr., Burlington/Marysville-Pilchuck) fired a 2-under par 70, helping Western Washington University move into the lead heading into Wednesday's final round at the NCAA Division II Women's Golf West Regional being played at The Legacy Golf Resort.

The Vikings shot a 9-over par 297, the best round of the tournament, for a 36-hole total of 616 as they climbed from fourth place to first. They hold a three-stroke lead over defending champion Tarleton State TX (301=619) with Saint Martin's third (301=621) and St. Edward's TX fourth (311=623) in the six-team field.

The 54-hole event is one of four regionals being held across the country. The top two teams in each region earn automatic berths to the national tournament on May 13-16 at the Memorial Golf Course in Houston, Texas.

"It was a great day," said Western coach Bo Stephan. "They played confident and for them to shoot 297 when they really had to play well is really exciting."

"It's anybody's game (Wednesday). I think it's great that whoever plays well tomorrow will go to nationals."

The Vikings' Breanna Carmichael (So., Tacoma/Bellarmine Prep) is fifth in medalist play after shooting 75 for the second straight day.

Parker, who was 4 under after 13 holes, is tied for eighth at 153.

All five Western players had rounds in the 70s on Tuesday.

Catherine Kim (Sr., Bellevue/Skyline), who is making her fourth regional appearance, is tied for 11th at 154 (75) with Lianne Matkin (So., Spokane/Northwest Christian) tied for 19th at 159 (77) and Allison Gillette (Sr., Seattle/Ballard) 25th at 164 (78).

It is the sixth straight regional appearance for Western, which tied for the regional title in 2005 and finished second in 2004 and 2006.