Q. Just looking at your scorecard, bogey-free, 7-under in 15 holes. What was working well that round?
KATE VILLEGAS: I think like both of us just had birdie opportunities like every hole. We were like, if one of us was like out we would -- one of us would be right there. I think we just really trust each other and have that special bond.
TIFFANY LE: Yeah. Plus I would say my putter was on fire.
KATE VILLEGAS: Yeah. (Laughter.)
Q. You played a few rounds here now. What do you need to do to be successful at the home course specifically?
KATE VILLEGAS: I think just stay aggressive, keep playing our game. Right now we're really feeling really good. We're stroking the ball really well. She's putting the ball really well.
TIFFANY LE: So when I miss a putt I'm like, oh, she has it. (Laughter.) I don't really worry.
KATE VILLEGAS: I think just staying confident and committed and believing in ourselves is the best thing.
Q. How did this partnership come about? I know you're both from Southern California. How did you decide to team up for this?
KATE VILLEGAS: Yeah, so we've known each other since we were eight or nine, like really little, and we played at UC Riverside together before I decided to transfer.
So we've just been close like since we were little.
TIFFANY LE: And we also played the Four-Ball two years ago at Texas.
Q. Yep, Maridoe.
TIFFANY LE: We just work really well together, so we're like this year, maybe it's our year.
Q. What do you like about the match play format?
KATE VILLEGAS: I like being aggressive. I think that's like one thing. Like if one of us plays it safe, I'll like go after it.
TIFFANY LE: I also kind of like the pressure that other opponents put on you, like when you have to make a putt or stick something close.
Q. Yep. Long week. Two rounds in today, so nice to not have to play a few holes, I'm sure. How do you stay mentally focused during a week like this, especially a USGA Championship?
TIFFANY LE: Hmm, how do you stay focused?
KATE VILLEGAS: I think good rest.
TIFFANY LE: Also like in between shots we talk about something other than golf, so keeps your mind playing as well.
Q. You both play on college teams, but there is not a lot of the team competitions like this. Do you think that helped you both in terms of how you know each other and your personalities maybe?
KATE VILLEGAS: I would think so.
TIFFANY LE: Can you say the question one more time?
Q. Did you think it kind of helps in an atmosphere like this to have, like you say, someone to talk non-golf about?
KATE VILLEGAS: Yeah, I think it's always nice to have someone that you care about by your side. You kind of feel more comfortable out there. It definitely helps and helps me play better.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports