Nordqvist birdied the last three holes to overcome back-to-back bogeys at 11 and 12. She also posted 69 to finish on six-under-par 136 in the 54-hole event at Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club.
Five players were tied for third, three shots off the pace -- Catriona Matthew of Scotland (70), Sweden's Pernilla Lindberg (70), Christel Boeljon of the Netherlands (70)and Americans Kelly Shon (68) and Gerina Piller (70).
South Korean world number two Park In-bee, the highest-ranked player in the field, registered a 70 for 141, six strokes behind Pressel.
Defending champion Stacy Lewis, ranked third in the world, shot 73 for 145.
Reigning U.S. Women's Open champion Michelle Wie, back in action after withdrawing from the Kingsmill Championship two weeks ago because of a hip injury, followed her opening 74 with a 72 and was tied for 82nd at 146.
(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Share
