Zoe Newell of Oro Valley, Arizona, is just 18 holes away from her first AJGA victory after playing through tough conditions in the second round and posting a 3-over-par 75. The 16-year-old sits at even-par 144 for the tournament. The Arizona native will take a two-shot lead into the final round. Newell is coming off top-10 finishes in each of her last two AJGA events: the AJGA Reno / Tahoe Junior and the AJGA Junior at Palouse Ridge.
Jacqueline Nguyen of Houston, and Nicole Koong of Sammamish, Washington, are T2 at 2-over-par 146. Nguyen's second round included four birdies while Koong picked up three of her own on the day.
Luke Cushman of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Vincent Cervantes of Chandler, Arizona, are tied atop the Boys Division leaderboard at 7-under-par 137 through 36 holes. Cervantes notched the round of the day with a 7-under-par 65 that featured an eagle on No. 8 as well as seven birdies. Cushman, for his part, carded a 3-under-par 69 in round two aided by four birdies. Both golfers enter the final round hoping to be become an AJGA champion for the first time.
Just one shot behind the leading pair sits Camden Braidech of Scottsdale, Arizona. Braidech recorded a 2-under-par 70 in round two, bringing his 36-hole total to 6-under par 138.
Carter Surofchek of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is in fourth place at 4-under-par 140 for the tournament.
Wheaton Ennis of Eagle, Idaho, Grant Yerger of Austin, Texas, and Lucas Schulte of Lone Tree, Colorado, round out the top-5 at 2-under-par 142.
