Karrie Webb gains U.S. Open lead.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. _ Hurricane season officially opened in North Carolina on Friday. Though the worst of the weather was rain and lightning, causing multiple delays, Karrie Webb provided an even bigger storm at the U.S. Women's Open.

Webb, the defending champion who is trying to recover the No. 1 spot in women's golf from Annika Sorenstam, shot five-under-par 65, the women's competitive course record at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, assuming leadership in a shortened second round.

Only 45 of the 150-player field had completed their rounds when play was suspended at 6 p.m., following a 3 {-hour delay, the third weather disruption of the day.

Nevertheless, Webb, who endured only one delay _ a half-hour interruption just before noon _ established a lofty target for others, who will complete their rounds starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday.

Her 70-65_135 is five shots ahead of playing partner Julie Inkster, who tacked a 72 onto her opening-round 68.

"I just took up where I left off yesterday with a lot of good, solid ball-striking," said Webb, a 26-year-old Australian. "Today, I just got a few more putts to go _ no bogeys, five birdies, and never put myself in a lot of trouble. A really solid round of golf."

Inkster got an up close and personal view of her task ahead.