STANFORD, Calif. — Virginia Tech's Becca DiNunzio and Emily Mahar both recorded rounds in the 60s to pace the Hokies during Tuesday's second round of the Stanford Regional, which is being hosted by Stanford at the par 71, 6,291-yard Stanford Golf Course.
Behind the strong play from the All-ACC duo, Tech maintained its position as the No. 2 team on the leaderboard. The Hokies fired a 1-under 283 to push their two-day total to 3-under 565. Stanford, putting its home course advantage to good use, extended its lead over the field. The Cardinal shot a 36-hole school record of 25-under 543.
Third-ranked and top-seeded Wake Forest is in third, one shot behind Tech. Oklahoma State (569), Southern California (571) and Florida (577) round out the top six teams.
The top six teams at the conclusion of Wednesday's final round advance to the 2021 NCAA Women's Golf National Championship, which is scheduled for May 21-26 at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Hokies, who are on the brink of history, have never advanced to nationals in the program's six-year history.
DiNunzio and Mahar shot 67 and 69, respectively, on Tuesday to lead Tech's charge on moving day. Mahar dipped into red figures for the second straight day and is in seventh with 18 holes to play. The senior is at 3-under 139, four shots behind a pair of Stanford golfers who lead the field at 7-under 135. Mahar finished her second round on a strong note, logging two birdies over her final three holes.
Perhaps no one in the field got off to a hotter start than DiNunzio did in the second round. The sophomore registered four birdies in her opening seven holes, and played even-par golf the rest of the way to post her fourth round in the 60s this season. DiNunzio is tied with teammate Alyssa Montgomery for 20th at 1-over 143.
Like DiNunzio, Keerattriya Foocharoen got off to a blazing start. She went out at 4-under, carding five birdies in her opening nine holes. Despite struggling on her inward nine, Foocharoen is tied for 11th at 1-under 141. Jessica Spicer is tied for 70th at 152.
For the second straight day, Tech will be paired with Stanford and Wake Forest. Their final round is set to get underway at 9:50 a.m. PT.
Gallery: (5-11-2021) 2021 WOMEN'S GOLF NCAA REGIONAL SECOND ROUND
