A third-round 74 dropped Hilo's Kimberly Kim into a tie for 19th going into tomorrow's final round of the 29th annual NCAA Women's Golf Championship, in Wilmington, N.C.

Kim, a University of Denver freshman, qualified as an individual. Her three-day total is 2-over-par 218. Arizona State's Jennifer Johnson leads the individual race at 70-207.

Punahou graduate Stephanie Kono, a UCLA sophomore, dropped into a share of 36th after firing a 75, for a 222 total. Her top-ranked Bruin team fell four spots and is now seventh at 302-882.

Purdue, looking for its first NCAA golf title, overtook USC in the team standings and now leads by seven shots at 6-under 858. The Boilermakers' score of 280 yesterday was the best score of the tournament and six shots better than any other team. They had three birdies and an eagle on the final hole.

New Mexico, with Leilehua graduate Britney Choy playing her final college event, is 16th. Choy (75-224) stands 49th individually.