SARAH SCHMELZEL: ( In progress)... much in the way of hot putter today than I had yesterday, which was a bit unfortunate.
But overall it was pretty steady. Definitely not mad at the way I played. Just hoping to maybe get a couple more putts to drop.
Q. You look at the leaderboard, this kind of golf course, I don't think anywhere is too far back. (Regarding the chase tomorrow).
SARAH SCHMELZEL: Yeah, any time you have an opportunity like this is -- it's what you work hard for. It'll be great tomorrow to be Sunday in contention at a major. Hopefully I can get off to a good start and make some birdies early and hopefully push the leaders a little bit.
Q. What are you going to be working on for putting?
SARAH SCHMELZEL: Yeah, just see a couple go in. I was hitting really good putts. Just misreading some short putts, which is a little unlike me.
So, yeah, maybe a little flukey, unlucky. Just see a few go in, take the confidence into tomorrow and rest.
Q. You're so level. What's been key to your level?
SARAH SCHMELZEL: I mean, I think I expect a lot out of myself both mentally and physically. I think I know that in order to get the most out of myself I have to be in it 24/7.
So I think I just hold myself to that standard. And I want to play well. Kind of like I said yesterday, I don't care if it's ugly or pretty or whatever. I just want to shoot a good score.
With that mentality you just have to stay in it 24/7 even if it looks a little bad. So, yeah.
Q. Obviously got firm and really fast out there. How different is this golf course playing than earlier in the week?
SARAH SCHMELZEL: Yeah, especially after Thursday was so soft. It was still pretty benign yesterday with all the cloud cover, and today finally with the sun and a little bit more wind, definitely got a little crispy.
You had to be super disciplined to some pretty far-away targets to pins on greens. I only see more of that tomorrow. Should be exciting and challenging.
Q. Can you be aggressive here at all?
SARAH SCHMELZEL: I think so.
Q. Yeah.
SARAH SCHMELZEL: Just pick your poison or like pick your spots. (Laughter.)
Q. I like pick your poison.
SARAH SCHMELZEL: Yeah.
Q. This is your fifth U.S. Women's Open start. How does it feel playing at Erin Hills?
SARAH SCHMELZEL: Yeah, it's amazing. I mean, to be at a venue that has some of the history on the men's side, I think to be able to add a women's champion to that is really great for women's golf and the LPGA Tour.
It's obviously a first-class golf course, first-class event, all the amenities and practice facilities, everything.
So it's just a dream come true to get to play another U.S. Open.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports