BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) – Cristie Kerr strung together three birdies on the front nine Friday in a round of 1-under 70 to take a one-stroke lead over Paula Creamer after two rounds of the U.S. Women’s Open.

Kerr overcame a bout of lightheadedness at the start and had one of only six rounds under par on the tough Saucon Valley Country Club layout, offsetting four bogeys with five birdies. She stands at 3-under 139.

Creamer, looking for her first Women’s Open title, carded a 3-under 68 after an opening 72 and was alone in second at 2-under 140.

Futures Tour player Jean Reynolds is third after a 72 for a 1-under 141.

Michelle Shin of Cape Coral carded an 82 Friday, after an opening 78 Thursday, to miss the 36-hole cut of 9 over (151). Shin finished at 18-over 160.

First-round leader Na Yeon Choi of South Korea shot a 3-over 74 and was tied with Giulia Sergas of Italy at even par. Sergas had the lowest round of the day, a 4-under 67.

Top-ranked Lorena Ochoa struggled to a round of 8-over 79 and stood at 6-over for the championship.

The final two rounds will be spiced with a bit of old and new. Former champion Laura Davies, playing on a special exemption, made the cut, as did 14-year-old amateur Alexis Thompson, who is in contention after a 73 put her at 2-over and tied for eighth.

The focus Friday was back on golf, a marked change after the event was overshadowed all week by a dispute between some LPGA Tour players and commissioner Carolyn Bivens. On Thursday, reports surfaced saying Bivens could be out of her job as early as next week after more than a dozen players signed a letter calling for her resignation.

A day later, the narrow fairways and speedy undulating greens at the Old Course demanded the players’ attention as the cut line fell at 9-over.