Japan's Nasa Hataoka sits atop the leaderboard at the LPGA Volvik Championship after shooting a 4-under-par 68 in the second round on Friday.

After finishing the first round at Travis Pointe Country Club one shot off the pace, Hataoka carded seven birdies and three bogeys to move to 9-under, one stroke ahead of Australia's Minjee Lee.

"I misjudged the distance of some long putts along the way which led to bogeys, but I was glad I hit a lot of birdies," Hataoka said.

"I was able to play balanced golf, attacking when the opportunity was there."

The 19-year-old is chasing her first LPGA title after recording her best-ever result on the tour, finishing in a tie for second at the Kingsmill Championship last weekend.

Compatriot Ayako Uehara is in a six-way tie for 12th at 5-under after carding 71 with four birdies and three bogeys.

"I was happy with my approach shots, but my putts weren't going in," Uehara said. "But overall, I think I was able to play some good golf. I had a lot of chances. If everything falls into place, I think I can get a good score."