Cristie Kerr tees off on the eighth hole during the second round of the U.S. Women’s Open on Friday at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa. 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.

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 at the U.S. Women’s Open.

During the second round, Kerr 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.

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 an 8-over 79 and stood at 6-over overall.

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 at an event that has been overshadowed all week by a dispute between LPGA Tour commissioner Carolyn Bivens and more than a dozen top tour players who signed a letter calling for her resignation.

The New York Times, citing a source, reported on Friday that Bivens originally planned to fight the move to force her out, but had decided to step down after the Open concludes. Golf Digest had previously reported on Thursday that Bivens would be replaced, as soon as next week, and cited sources who said the letter from the players was the final blow.

The LPGA reiterated its statement from earlier in the week. “Out of respect to the USGA and the amazing work that they’ve done and continue to do in producing and hosting this great event, we will not respond to media reports on internal matters related to the LPGA business,” LPGA Tour spokesman David Higdon said.

Among the players missing the cut were: Se Ri Pak (11-over), Rosie Jones (12-over) and Meg Mallon (18-over).