Cyna heads Pinay qualifiers in Oregon

MANILA, Philippines – Cyna Rodriguez birdied two of the last three holes and shot a 73, finishing second to low amateur Sara Ovadia of California at the close of the 36-hole stroke play qualifier of the PNGA (Pacific Northwest Golf Association) Women’s Amateur Championship in Molalla, Oregon Tuesday.

Rodriguez, the defending champion here who is coming off a victory in the Trans Am golf in Texas, pooled a two-day total of 147 while the six other ICTSI-backed bets all made it to the top 32 cast for the match play starting Wednesday.

The 17-year-old Rodriguez will face No. 31 Brittany Wilcox of Washington, hoping to breeze through at the start of the knockout phase in the morning for a spot in the Last 16 in the afternoon.

Ovadia also made a 73 to gain the top seeding at 145 and arrange a showdown with Kelsey Johnson of Washington.

Chihiro Ikeda wound up with a 75 and finished tied for third with Dottie Ardina, carding a 76, and Kate Hidahl of Oregon, who had a 75, at 151. Ikeda takes on No. 28 Avery Collura, also of Washington, while Ardina battles No. 29 Breanne Smith.

Others who advanced were Anya Tanpinco (76-153), Bambee dela Paz (77-153), reigning RP Ladies Open champion Louise Manalo (81-155) and Sarah Ababa (77-157.

Tanpinco, who lost to Rodriguez in last year’s all-Filipino final, collides with Danielle Madden, dela Paz clashes with Pamela Burneski, Manalo squares off with Tiffany Schoning, and Ababa tangles with Audrey Dalton.

Two rounds are set in the first round of match play with the winners advancing to the quarterfinal round on Thursday, another tough day for the field since the victors will clash in the semifinal round in the afternoon.