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Leaderboard Tightens

BRIAN GJURGEVICH/HIGHLANDS TODAY

Third-round leader Taylore Karle pumps her fist on Saturday after sinking a 30-foot putt for birdie on hole No. 18 at the 53rd annual Harder Hall Women's Invitational.

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By Christopher  Hoffman | Highlands Today

Published: January 6, 2008

SEBRING — No lead is ever safe in golf, especially with 36 holes left to play.

Taylore Karle shot an even-par 72 to hold off the hard-charging Alison Walshe, who carded a 4-under 68 to pull within one shot of the lead during the third round of the 53rd annual Harder Hall Women's Invitational on Saturday.

Walshe, who was five shots back heading into Saturday's round carded birdies on the final three holes to keep hot on the heels of the leader.

"Its weird, but I didn't think I hit the ball that well today," Walshe said. "I just made birdies and was patient with my game."

Stacy Lewis finished with a 2-under 70, while Virgina Grimes of Meridian, Miss. fired a 4-under 68 to pull to within six shots of Karle at the top of the leaderboard in the Championship flight.

Results of the ladies in the Ben Roman Division were not available at press time.

After carding a tournament-low six-under 66 on Friday, Karle was still pleased with her play in the third round, and is looking forward to the final day.

"I think I played solid today," Karle said. "I had one bad hole and I didn't finish well, but I still think I played solid, and I'm in a good position heading into the final day.

"I love the last round of a tournament. I love the all-or-nothing aspect of it. It all comes down to this."

UCLA's Tiffany Joh finished with a 3-over 75, while Lauren Hunt came into the clubhouse with a 1-under 71 and Isabelle Lendl shot even-par for the second-straight day, leaving the threesome 10 shots back of the leader.

"I think I hit the ball good and stayed consistent," Lendl said. "You always want to shoot better, but I think I'm playing well and really looking forward to the final round.

Marika Lendl carded a one-over 73 to stay in contention.

The final round gets under way today, with two waves of golfers teeing off at 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Trophy presentations will follow the tournament.

For full results, photos and reaction to both flights of the tournament, see Monday's Highlands Today.

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