Q. You made a nice move early, really got in there.
GABRIELA RUFFELS: Definitely got in there. Was 2-under pretty early, through maybe about four holes, I think, so started off really strong, which is what you need to do out here, especially on those first four or five holes. It was tough, and happy I was able to kind of maintain it.
Q. Is this as hard a test as you've played as a golfer?
GABRIELA RUFFELS: For sure, I would say so. Every hole is kind of a new story, a new challenge, and there's no resting, on any putt, on any tee shot, on any approach. Every shot is a challenge.
Q. What's the sense of accomplishment being in red numbers around this place through 54 holes?
GABRIELA RUFFELS: It's good. I feel like I'm definitely playing well, playing solid. I guess it's just playing a lot of solid golf, so I'm happy, and we'll see what we can do tomorrow.
Q. You've played mostly on the Epson this year; good golf translates, right? How did you look forward to this week? Was it a surprise getting an exemption, and what did you want to accomplish this week?
GABRIELA RUFFELS: It was so cool getting an exemption. My manager called me about a week and a half before the tournament started, and he said, change your flights from Harris, Michigan, which was the Epson event on this week, and go to Newark. I mean, it's a great opportunity, and I'm so thankful to be here.
Q. Do you feel like you're building nice momentum this year on the Epson, how you've been playing?
GABRIELA RUFFELS: For sure. I say this a lot; the Epson Tour is great. The players out there are really, really good, and a lot of them, I'd say like top half, could play out here, as well. Playing out there, you have to play really well to win and be in contention, so I think it's just a great tour. Definitely feel like I've gained momentum from that tour for sure.
Q. Maybe a highlight or two from the early start or a couple good birdies out there?
GABRIELA RUFFELS: Yeah, so I hit it to like a foot on the par-3, No. 4.
Q. What did you hit there?
GABRIELA RUFFELS: I hit a 7-iron, almost went in, so that was good to get it to 2-under. Birdied the first, as well. Maybe just having a long putt holed on 10, was a pretty long putt, maybe like 40 feet, and then 16 was probably another 35-, 40-footer. A couple long putts were very nice.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports