POND: STANFORD IN HUNT FOR LPGA CHAMPIONSHIP

ANGELA STANFORD

So much for being one of our sleepers, folks.

Angela Stanford has put herself in contention to win her first major title this week at the Wegmans LPGA Championship in Pittsford, N.Y.

Stanford continued her strong play Friday, battling her way to an even-par 72 in the second round to put her alone in ninth place at the midway point of the event at Locust Hill Country Club. The American standout stands just four shots behind leader Yani Tseng heading into Saturday's third round of play.

Stanford is looking for first win since 2009 and fifth overall of her career.

Sweden's Maria Hjorth has played well, positioning herself for a weekend run at the championship after carding a second consecutive 1-under 71 for a share of 19th place.

Take a look at how the group fared in the second round of the tour's second major championship of the season:

ANGELA STANFORD

Position: Ninth (-4, 140)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 3rd (-4, 68) ... Five birdies/one bogey

Saturday tee time: 1:55 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

MARIA HJORTH

Position: Tied for 19th (-2, 142)

Second round: -1, 71 ... Five birdies/two bogeys/one double

First round: Tied for 22nd (-1, 71) ... Three birdies/two bogeys

Saturday tee time: 12:43 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

MIKA MIYAZATO

Position: Tied for 38th (E, 144)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Two birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... Two birdies/two bogeys

Friday tee time: 11:04 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: 13th place (-1)

SOPHIE GUSTAFSON

Position: Tied for 50th (+1, 145)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Two birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 55th (+1, 73) ... Five birdies/one bogey

Friday tee time: 10:01 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

VICKY HURST

Position: Tied for 92nd (+4, 148) ... Missed cut

Second round: +5, 77 ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 22nd (-1, 71) ... One birdie/six bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 54th (+6)

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images