Hetherington carded a five-under 67 to get to 11-under 205. She had three birdies in six holes to start her round but had just one over her final 10 holes.

Named in the 2007 US Solheim Cup team earlier this week, Steinhauer is seeking her first win of the season and first victory since claiming the 2006 Women’s British Open title.

Steinhauer was two-over for her round after 10 holes before getting hot midway through her back nine. She started a run of three birdies in four holes on number 13 at the Panther Creek Country Club.

Becky Morgan of Wales remains in contention after carding a three-under-par 69 and is tied for fifth place going into the final round, three shots behind Steinhauer.

“I got off to a very slow start today,” Steinhauer said.

“Actually I feel like I hit the ball as well as the first two days, but through the first ten holes, nothing. I didn’t have any putts fall and just wasn’t feeling quite as comfortable.

“Just feel really fortunate that I made three birdies on the back nine to come back and shoot 1-under today.”

Michele Redman and Christina Kim are tied for third at 10-under 206.

Redman made the biggest move of the day, firing eight birdies in a bogey-free 64. Kim signed for a 71.

“The last three days I have hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens,” Redman said. “Today I hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens, and I finally started making some putts today and some yesterday, too, so it’s kind of nice.”

Defending champion Annika Sorenstam (71) moved into contention with a 65 on Friday but she was not as sharp in the third round, with three birdies and a pair of bogeys. She is at nine-under 207.

“Today I played as solid but not as many birdies,” Sorenstam.

“It was a decent round and I didn’t give too much room to the leaders and I’m still right there for Sunday.”