Lady Vols fall to 17th in NCAA golf; Brown is 9th

Tennessee's women dropped down the leaderboard Thursday in the second round of the NCAA golf tournament.

The Lady Vols started the day in a tie for 12th place but shot a 25-over-par 313 and fell to 17th in the 24-team field with a 44-over 620 at the halfway point.

"We had a tough day and are making some mistakes that have been uncharacteristic of this team in the last few weeks," Lady Vols coach Judi Pavon said. "I think the players are playing a little tentative, and we can't be successful that way. We worked on some things and tomorrow should be better."

As was the case Wednesday, Ginny Brown set the pace with a 3-over 75 on the Caves Valley course at Owings Mills, Md.

The junior was tied for ninth at 3-over 147 and is six shots back of leader Maria Jose Uribe (66) of UCLA.

Nicole Smith shot 80 and was tied for 79th at 156.

Freshman Nathalie Mansson recovered somewhat from her opening-day 81 to shoot 77 and is tied for 88th .

Diana Cantu (81) is tied for 95th at 159.

"Ginny is playing really well and has stuck to her game," Pavon said. "Nathalie played better today, but we will need her best the next two days. I'm also looking for Nicole to play well to finish her college career."

Lauren Spurlock shot an 83, which didn't figure in Tennessee's score. She is tied for 120th at 167.

UCLA took over the team lead at 589 and lead Southern Cal by seven shots.