High temperatures brought low scores during the second round of the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic as we head into the weekend with a crowded leaderboard at the top. Minori Nagano, Valery Plata, and Liqi Zeng all share the lead at 8-under while Amari Avery, Riley Rennell, and Hailee Cooper all sit just one shot back at 7-under for the tournament.

Nagano put together the round of the day on Friday, rolling in two birdies on the front nine, along with her only bogey of the day. The back nine for the Japan native was one of the best of the week, carding five birdies while going bogey-free for a 5-under 30 to close out her day. The 6-under 65 is a new season low for the 24-year-old and puts her in the final group heading into the weekend.

“I was feeling good with my shot the last few days, so I thought I could make a better score yesterday, but I had a bogey double on the last couple of holes yesterday, so I was just trying to focus on every shot,” explained Nagano. “I just want to be in a good position after tomorrow's round, so I'm not thinking about winning or making a good score. I just wanna be in good position after tomorrow's round.”

Zeng and Plata both put up great scores in round one, posting rounds of 66 or better. In round two, it was more about managing the course and the heat.

Zeng had an adventurous day, making five birdies and just as many bogeys but ended with a 2-under 69 due to an eagle on the par-five 18th. The 18-year-old has made just two starts on the Epson Tour, making both her cuts. Zeng was granted approval to play at LPGA Q-Series at 17-years-old where she earned LPGA Tour status, making nine cuts in 18 starts as a rookie.

Plata is the only athlete in the top 5 with an Epson Tour win under her belt, taking home the trophy at the opening event of the season in 2024 – the Central Florida Championship. The Columbian narrowly missed out on earning her card in 2024, ending the year No. 17 in the Race for the Card, just two spots shy. This year has been consistent for Plata, now making five cuts in six starts after her 3-under 68 second round, putting her in a good place heading into the midpoint of the season.

“I think just trying to be consistent in as many areas as you can,” said Plata. “The level is so good that you really need to bring your best stuff every week. And yeah, I think that's what we aim for in the off-season, just being a little more consistent overall and just take advantage when things are going well.”

Three Tied at the Top in Scottsdale Heading into the Weekend

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