Australian Corie Hou, a 2010 University of Hawaii graduate, dropped from first to 25th Wednesday at Stage I of the LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Hou shot 5-over-par 77 on the Palmer Course at Mission Hills Country Club, giving her a two-day total of 145.

Punahou and Princeton graduate Anna Jang made the biggest move of the seven Hawaii players in the field of 241. The 2007 state high school champ shot a 2-under-par 70 at the Dinah Shore Course to move from 153rd to 46th, at 147.

Kalani graduate Nicole Sakamoto, who won the HSWGA State Stroke Play Championship earlier this month, also has a share of 46th after shooting 73. Hilo’s Britney Yada (75) and Wailuku’s Shayna Miyajima (74) are another shot back.

Hilo’s Kimberly Kim (74—151) moved up 41 spots, to 112th, and Kamehameha graduate Mari Chun (81—159) fell to 209th.

The no-cut event ends Friday with the top 100 advancing to Stage II next month in Florida. Stephanie Kono, the 2006 state high school champ who played on the LPGA tour last year, is in the preliminary field there.

Pearl Country Club’s Lee takes assistant title

Pearl Country Club pro Regan Lee rolled to the National Car Rental/Aloha Section PGA Assistant Championship Tuesday, closing with a 72 to win by five shots at his home course. Lee had a two-day total of 2-over-par 146.

Ko Olina’s Kevin Shimomura (75) and Waialae’s Damon Wilson (76) tied for second. Shimomura birdied the second playoff hole to earn the alternate spot.

Lee will represent the section at the 37th National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship, Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Florida. He won $1,500 and airfare to the national event paid by Cobra Puma Golf.

NOTES

» Jim Utsugi is the new women’s golf coach at Hawaii Pacific, the school announced Wednesday. Utsugi previously coached at Hawaii Baptist Academy.

LOCAL ACES