FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) — Alabama’s double-digit lead dwindled on the back nine, and the Crimson Tide finished with a two-stroke lead over Southern California on Thursday after the third round of the NCAA Division I women’s championship.
Oklahoma’s Chirapat Jao-Javanil shot a 2-under 70 for a share of the individual lead with Arizona State’s Giulia Molinaro at 4-under 212. Molinaro had a 72.
The Crimson Tide entered the third round with an 11-stroke lead, and that grew to 15 strokes with Alabama’s No. 5 seeded player, Courtney McKim, in the fairway on No. 17. With hard greens, stiff wind and tough pin placements, Alabama’s top four players combined for three double bogeys and nine bogeys on the back nine.
Alabama finished the round at 18-over 306 and had a 13-over 877 total.
Southern California shot a 6-over 204.
