Western Kentucky junior Mary Joiner improved by seven strokes Saturday in the second round of Kentucky’s Bettie Lou Evans Invitational, positioning herself in the top 20 heading into the final day.

Joiner shot a 2-under 70 in the second round at the par-72, 6,221-yard Big Blue Course at UK’s University Club in Lexington. That gave her a two-day total of 147 (77-70) and ties her for 18th individually, moving up 23 spots from the first round.

The Lady Toppers are tied for sixth as a team with a 594 (296-298) tally. Host Kentucky leads the field at 566.

Freshman Lizzie Loy (75-74) and juniors Abigail Smee (73-76) and Bailey Tyree (71-78) are all tied for 26th with 149 totals. That’s a career-best 36-hole total for Loy.

Freshman Caroline Waldrop is tied for 50th at 155 (77-78) in her first college tournament.

Sophomores Megan Clarke and Caroline Cavin have totals of 161 and 172, respectively, while competing as individuals.

Sunday’s final round will begin at 8 a.m. CDT.