Pressel impresses, has `great experience'.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. _ Morgan Pressel's U.S. Open odyssey almost was drowned out Friday, but she played another 16 holes and her appearance as the youngest qualifier in tournament history was extended overnight.

Pressel, a 13-year-old from Boca Raton, Fla., won't make the cut, but she won over the hearts of thousands of golf fans with her feisty performance and great spirit.

Pressel, who shot 77 in Thursday's opening round, was on target to match the score when a third weather interruption sidelined the field, ending play for 105 players who hadn't completed their rounds, including Pressel.

"I have to get up early, 5 a.m., I guess, to start play at 7 o'clock," she said. "But I want to finish my round. I just got up and down on the last four holes in a row, so I think I'll finish well tomorrow."

Pressel, granddaughter and golf protegee of Grosse Pointe Woods pathologist Herb Krick-stein, will be confronted with a 12-foot birdie putt when she resumes play. She was seven over for her 16 holes Friday.

"I've had fun _ this was a great experience," said the pony-tailed blonde, steeled to the pressure and unaffected by the spectators or her sudden status as one of the Open's star attractions.

"The most fun was just getting to be here."