competed in the third round of the NCAA Championships at the Dye course in Wilmington, North Carolina yesterday.

For the second successive day, teenager Marshall fired the second best round for her Wake Forest team -- a three-over-par 75, adding to rounds of 75 and 78 on the first two days.

But despite her efforts, Wake Forest slipped from a tie for second into fourth place, and now trail leaders Arizona State by 20 shots with just one round remaining today.

The annual tournament brings together the cream of college golfers in the US.

Marshall's team-mate Alexandra Armas, who hails from the Canary Islands, again led the Wake Forest foursome with an even par 72 and remained at even par through 54 holes.

Wake Forest are one shot adrift of Stanford and six behind San Jose State.

However, university spokesman Dan Zacharias, said last night the team were excited by their performance so far, having never finished higher than seventh (1993) in the NCAAs.

"We've still got a great chance to finish third and a realistic shot at second,'' said Zacharias, who admitted runaway leaders Arizona State were unlikely to be caught.

"Kim's playing very well. But I think our coach is happy at the way everybody's performed. It's been a good week so far.''