ALBUQUERQUE (Sept, 27, 2002) --- BYU makes a Cougar-comeback in the second round of New Mexico's Dick McGuire Invitational moving from 16th position to tied for 12th.

The Cougars shot 312 after yesterday's 319 to make a two-day total of 631 to tie with Texas A&M and also move up the scoreboard.

"It was a steady day today and we made a lot of progress," BYU head coach Sue Nyhus said. "The difference between today and yesterday was the team learned from their mistakes and where they needed to hit the ball yesterday and were able to do it today."

Senior Jessica Gardner led the pack with a 77 today to give her a two-day total of 78-77--156. Sophomores Natalie Newren and Margaret Gibby shot a pair of 78s for a two-day total of 78-78--156 and 80-78--158. Freshmen Symantha Mendenhall and Danielle von Arnim improved their rounds today with 81-79--160 and 82-83--165.

"Everyone picked it up a notch and they're capable of picking it up even more tomorrow," Nyhus said.

New Mexico still leads at 297-292--589 only now with an eight shot dominance over Washington and Oklahoma. The course is playing as a par-73 with the slickest greens the Cougars have played yet.

"Our scores don't show how well we played," Gardner said. "I hit the ball so well yesterday and hit it even better today where I was able to give myself more birdie opportunities; but it's the fast greens that make you or break you."

Gardner got "sweet revenge" after birdying and paring the two holes she doubled and tripled in yesterday's round.

"Tomorrow I know I can go out and shoot even or under-par as long as I get my putting under control," Gardner said.

Lisa Meldrum of Oklahoma has grown a liking to the fast greens and is now leading the tournament with six-under-par (70-70--140).

Tee-times start off the third and final round of UNM's Dick McGuire Invit'l at 8:30 a.m. Saturday off the first and 10th tee.

Fin. Team Standings Score

1 New Mexico 297-292--589

2 Washington 300-297--597

Oklahoma 301-296--597

4 New Mexico State 298-302--600

5 Pepperdine 304-297--601

6 Texas 303-301--604

7 Tulsa 303-302--605

8 TCU 306-300--606

9 Arizona State 317-304--621

10 UNLV 308-315--623

11 Baylor 316-312--628

12 Texas A&M 314-317--631

Brigham Young 319-312--631

14 Colorado State 318-314--632

15 Texas Tech 310-323--633

16 UTEP 317-318--635

17 Northern Arizona 323-325--648

18 San Diego State 331-326--657

19 Wyoming 327-340--667

Fin. Brigham Young Univ. Scores

T 42 Natalie Newren 78-78--156

T 49 Jessica Gardner 80-77--157

T 54 Margaret Gibby 80-78--158

T 60 Symantha Mendenhall 81-79--160

T 81 Danielle von Arnim 82-83--165