Molinaro moves into lead at NCAA Championships

With wind picking up and affecting various players' games on May 24, Giulia Molinaro's third-round score of even-par was just enough to vault the senior into a tie for first place at the 2012 NCAA Women's Golf Championships in Franklin, Tenn.

Molinaro is currently tied for first with Chirapat Jao-Javanil of Oklahoma. Ranked fourth in the nation according to the Golfweek/Sagarin index, Molinaro holds a three-round total of 4-under 212 (69-71-72) heading into the final round.

Arizona State holds the NCAA record with five national champions and a total of nine champions counting players that predated the NCAA Women's Golf Championships. Most recently, Sun Devil Azahara Munoz won the NCAA individual title in 2008.

Arizona State Women's Golf Individual Titles (9)

Azahara Munoz (2008)
Grace Park (1999)
Kristel Mourge d'Algue (1995)
Emilee Klein (1994)
Danielle Ammaccapane (1985)
Cathy Gaughan (1970)
Jane Bastanchury-Booth (1969)
Carol Sorenson (1962)
Joanne Gunderson-Carner (1960)

As a team, Arizona State is in eighth place with a three-round total of 23-over 887 (292-291-304). Winds picked up in the third round of play making the course difficult to navigate. Sophomores Laura Blanco and Justine Lee each carded 4-over 76's on the day. Blanco is tied for 27th after three rounds of play while Lee is tied for 64th.

The final round of the 2012 NCAA Championships continues tomorrow from Franklin, Tenn., with Arizona State teeing off starting at 12:59 p.m. CT. Live scoring is available at the NCAA.com along with a live webcast from holes nine and 18.