Creamer Charges to Lead

PITTSFORD, N.Y. —  Graduating from high school three weeks ago took a little pressure off Paula Creamer.

“It’s good to have high school all done and move on,” the 18-year-old rookie said after shooting a five-under-par 67 on Saturday to move closer to her second LPGA Tour victory in a month. “It’s kind of like one chapter in my life is done.”

The next chapter looks bright too.

Creamer strung together birdies at Nos. 15, 16 and 17 to move to 10-under 206, two ahead of second-round leader Lorena Ochoa, who managed an even-par round at the Rochester LPGA.

First-round leader Becky Morgan shot a 71 and was in third place at seven under. Rosie Jones, looking for her third victory in Rochester, climbed into contention with a 67, moving to six under.

Creamer became the second-youngest first-time winner on the tour at the Sybase Classic on May 23, five days before her high school graduation in Bradenton, Fla.

Creamer offset a three-putt bogey at No. 2 with consecutive birdies, chipping in from off the green at No. 3 and sinking a 30-foot putt at No. 4. She hit her tee shot on the par-three ninth within four feet and made the birdie putt.

Ochoa, a two-time winner last year, had an unlucky start, bogeying No. 2 when her four-foot putt rimmed the cup.

Second-year pro Mikaela Parmlid of Sweden, who was tied for 49th after two rounds, surged to three under and a tie for eighth with a 66, the best round of the day.