TULSA, Okla. – The Lamar University women's golf team used a strong start in Monday's first round to overcome some shaky play down the stretch to hold a six-stroke lead after two rounds of the Bob Hurley ORU Shootout.

The Cardinals, led by junior Olivia Le Roux, who holds a one-stroke lead in the individual competition, stand at 31-over-par 599 after 36 holes. Host Oral Roberts is second at 605, followed by Stephen F. Austin at 613 and Houston Baptist at 615 in the 17-team field.

Le Roux had rounds of 73 and 74 over the 6,013-yard, par-71 layout at the Meadowbrook Country Club to stand at 5-over-par 147 heading into Tuesday's third and final round as she seeks the first individual title of her collegiate career.

"Olivia works really hard, and she has the skills and ability to lead at every event," LU coach Jessica Steward said. "Her mental game is improving so that she can start performing the way she is capable of."

LU freshman Elodie Chapelet is in a three-way tie for second place, one stroke behind Le Roux, after rounds of 73 and 75. LU senior Wenny Chang is in a two-way tie for fifth at 149, two strokes behind Le Roux, after rounds of 75 and 74.

"Elodie and Wenny weren't thrilled with their rounds today, although they did well enough to stand in the top five," Steward said. "I expect them to come out fighting on Tuesday."
The Cardinals held an eight-stroke lead over Oral Roberts after the first round, and pushed the lead to double digits in the second round before faltering down the stretch. Still, the Cardinals are just one round away from their first tournament title of the season after finishing third at last week's Tignanelli Towson Invitational.

"We struggled during our last nine holes, but not badly enough to spoil our lead," Steward said. "We put ourselves in a good position for Tuesday, and we will focus on playing our best."
LU freshman Maia Jessup is tied for 38^th at 16-over 158 after rounds of 80 and 78, while junior teammate Felicia Sauceda battled through pain to tie for 43^rd in the 80-player field at 17-over 159, as she shot a 77 and 82.

"Maia held on to help us with her 78," Steward said. "She made a quintuple bogey on her third hole of the second round, but she finished 7-over for the round. That comeback is impressive."
Tuesday's final round is scheduled to get underway at 8 a.m.