Lopez, Lewis move up

KOHLER, Wis. – Future University of Arkansas women’s golfer Gabriela Lopez and former star Stacy Lewis both moved up in second round action at the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wis., Friday.

Lopez, a Mexico City, Mexico, native opened play on the first tee Friday with a morning start.  Her round started well but she bogeyed eight and nine turning with a two-over 38.

Lopez shot par on 10 and on 11, improving from the seven she posted on the par four hole the day before.  She would go on to bogey 12, 13, 17 and 18 finishing her day with a six-over 78 in her first U.S. Women’s Open appearance.  She came off the golf course in a tie for 145 with the second flight still to play.

Lopez, who signed with Arkansas in the fall, qualified winning the sectional at The Woodlands, Texas, shooting a 141 on May 22.

Former Razorback Lewis rallied from a first round 77 posting a three-under 69 in the second round.  Lewis also opened on the first tee and went bogey, birdie to start.  The Woodlands, Texas, native pared the next two holes and then posted a three on the par four fifth hole.  Lewis counted a seven on that hole in the first round.

She birdied seven and turned two-under with a34.  Lewis’ back nine was also better with a one-under 35.  She was four strokes better on each side Friday.  Lewis came off the golf course tied for 38th overall and should make the cut as play continues through the weekend.

The event airs on both ESPN2 and NBC beginning Thursday.  Coverage begins at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday on ESPN2 and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on NBC.