ALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA (February 13, 2017) -- The Florida Gators have vaulted into the lead after posting four rounds in the 60's during the 2nd round of the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge.

The 2nd round 275 was 15 shots lower than Florida's first round and was the lowest of the day by seven shots, giving them a two-shot lead over USC.

Maria Torres leads the way for the Gators after rounds of 70-69 while Taylor Tomlinson (69), Karolina Vlckova (68) and Samanatha Wagner (69) each contributed rounds in the 60's. Ironically, Florida's individual Kelly Grassel leads in the individual competition after rounds of 69-68.

USC is being lead by Robynn Ree (68-70) and Victoria Morgan (70-72) who are each inside the top 10 individually. Meanwhile, the top-ranked amateur in the world Leona Maguire is leading the way for Duke after rounds of 68-71. The Blue Devils currently sit in third place, nine-shots back.

First-round leader UCLA fell back to 6th place after struggling with a 2nd-round 299. The final round will will be a 8:30 am shotgun at Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates, CA.

ROUND ONE STORY

The only team under-par after the first round of the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge is first place UCLA. With a deep field waiting in the wings the Bruins are currently 4 under and five shots clear of second place USC.

Duke, who is coming off a win at the East Lake Cup, sits in third at 3 over. The 6 over Florida Gators are fourth while UNLV is 8 over and in fifth. The field of 15 includes nine of the top 25 teams in the Golfstat Rankings.

Playing in their first tournament since Bronte Law turned professional, UCLA was led by sophomore Lilia Vu and freshman Mariel Galdiano, both of whom turned in 2-under 69's. The duo will begin the second round at Palos Verdes Golf Club tied for third along with Florida's Kelly Grassel and Tennessee's Emmie Pietila.

Leading the way in the medalist race at 3 under are Duke junior Leona Maguire and USC sophomore Robynn Ree.

Maguire, the top-ranked amateur in the world, had an up-and-down round that was highlighted by an ace on the 162 yard par-3 15th. The rest of Maguire's round included five birdies and four bogeys.

Ree reached the top of the leaderboard with a much more mundane but just as effective four birdie, one bogey round. The birdies for Ree fell on Nos. four, nine, 16 and 18.

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