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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ochoa feels right at home while taking two-shot lead

Associated Press

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Lorena Ochoa just loves the rain.

The budding Mexican star, who grew up in rainy Guadalajara, had a 3-under-par 69 on Friday to surge past Becky Morgan and into the second-round lead at the Rochester LPGA.

Ochoa, who began the day three shots behind Morgan, finished her round in a steady rain and was at 8-under 136.

Morgan, who had a sizzling 8-under 64 on Thursday under rainy skies, faltered late and shot a 74 to tie Maria Hjorth (68) for second at 138.

Rookie sensation Paula Creamer, who finished the first round with back-to-back bogeys after developing a twinge in her left wrist, followed her opening 71 with a 68 and was alone in fourth, another shot back.

Mi Hyun Kim (66) was at 140; Gloria Park (70) and Se Ri Pak (71) were at 141; and Hilary Lunke (73), Laura Davies (71) and Jennifer Rosales (70) were at 142.

Rain fell throughout the opening round, and under the soggy conditions at Locust Hill Country Club the players were allowed to lift, clean and place during the second round.

Still, among the top 14 players, only Ochoa, Kim and Creamer broke 70.

Ochoa, who closed with three straight birdies for an opening 67, started slowly, missing a 3-foot putt for par on the first hole.

She rallied with two birdies before the turn and finished the round with two birdies and six pars in the wind and rain.

“I took advantage of the opportunities and finished strong,” said Ochoa, a runner-up three times this year and third on the money list. “But I don’t know how I shot so good. It’s weird. Sometimes, things go your way.”

Wendy Ward of Edwall, Wash., carded a 73 and her two-day total of 4-over 148 just made the cut. Tracy Hanson of Rathdrum, Idaho, missed the cut by one shot, following up Thursday’s 74 with a 75.