Western Kentucky freshman Megan Clarke led the way for the Lady Toppers in Tuesday’s second round of the Conference USA Championship, while senior Georgina Blackman continued her success on the course.

Blackman and Clarke stand tied for third and sixth, respectively, through day two while the Lady Toppers are sixth in the team standings.

The Heckmondwike, England, native Clarke tied her season low of 71 at the par-72, 6,194-yard Verandah Club in Fort Myers, Fla. Clarke last earned that mark at the season-opening USA Intercollegiate in September.

The freshman was the most improved Lady Topper from the first to second rounds, having lowered her score by five strokes. She notched five birdies throughout the day.

Blackman started off with a tough front nine but was able to stay toward the top of the leaderboard after shooting 2 under in her last eight holes, finishing with a score of 76 for the day. She is just two strokes back from the leader with only one more round to play.

Both Clarke and Blackman are in contention for WKU’s top finish since Crystal Anglea finished fifth at the 2000 Sun Belt Conference Championship. They are also each in the top five for birdies made thus far in the tournament, with Blackman notching eight and Clarke sinking seven.

As a team, WKU is sixth with a second-round score of 303 and a two-day total of 605. UTSA leads the pack with a score of 586. The Lady Toppers are second in team pars with 108, just behind Old Dominion with 112.

Sophomore Mary Joiner repeated her 3-over score from the opening round, shooting 75 in day two. The Franklin native sits tied for 12th place.

Lady Topper senior Katie Story and sophomore Bailey Tyree finished the day shooting 81 and 82, respectively.

The final round of the C-USA Championship will begin Wednesday morning.{&end}