RAPID CITY, S.D. - The second day of the 2010 NAIA Women's Golf National Championships is complete and the UAC champion Marian University Knights moved up the leaderboard at Meadowbrook Municipal Golf Course in Rapid City, S.D., on Wednesday.

The Knights opened the second round tied for 14th place, but moved into 12th place after 36 holes. MU improved its score from Tuesday by four strokes as the Knights notched a 324 on Wednesday.

"We played our game today," said head coach and 2010 UAC Coach of the Year Brett Cope. "We didn't do anything out of the ordinary and just played solid. Overall, I cannot be unhappy. I told the ladies that my goal for them was to be in the top 12 at nationals and, after two days, here we are."

Senior Angela Gauck dropped a few spots on the leaderboard, but is still in contention after 36 holes. The two-time NAIA All-American carded a seven-over-par 79 on Wednesday to give her a 36-hole total of 155. She sits six shots off the pace at 11-over-par with the co-leaders having a two-day total of 149.

Junior Lauren Nickoson showed her consistency as she carded a second round 79 to go with her first round 78. She sits tied for 23rd place with a 13-over-par 157.

Sophomore Kailey Jacob opened the second round with a one-over-par 37 on the front nine, but came in with a 43 to turn in a score of 80 on the second day of competition. She shaved seven strokes off her first round 87, and she currently sits tied for 65th place with a 167.

Freshman Leah Miller had another tough day during the second round as she struggled to an 86. She currently sits in a tie for 84th place with a 36-hole total of 173.

Senior Kristen Welker rounded out the Knights with her second consecutive 89. She is in 102nd place after 36 holes with a 178.

"We have left some shots on the course and done some silly things, but we are where we want to be and it is utterly fantastic and the ladies are hyped up," Cope added. "The next two days are going to be tough with the wind due to pick up, but I think if we can just be mentally tough we will be fine."

The Knights are looking to continue to move up the leaderboard as day three commences on Thursday from Meadowbrook Municipal Golf Course in Rapid City, S.D. They will tee off at 1 p.m. (MDT) (3 p.m. EDT) and will compete alongside California State-San Marcos and Rocky Mountain College.