Cyna, Dottie, Mia gain WWGA quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines - Cyna Rodriguez, Dottie Ardina and Mia Piccio pulled off twin victories each in varying fashions to roll into the quarterfinal round of the 110th WWGA (Women’s Western Golf Association) National Amateur Championship at the Rochester Golf and Country Club in Rochester, Minnesota Thursday.

Rodriguez, seeking a second big win this year after ruling the RP Ladies Open, survived a pair of cliffhangers, nipping Gina Larson of Colorado after 19 holes in the morning match then outlasting ICTSI teammate Sarah Ababa after 20 holes to remain in the hunt of the crown.

Ardina, on the other hand, turned in a pair of 4&3 romps, beating Mandi Morrow of Ohio in the Last 32 then trouncing Nebraska’s Mary Narzisi in the afternoon duel to gain a spot in the quarters.

Piccio, the other member of the ICTSI golf squad, downed Jackie Shepherd of Wisconsin, 2&1, in the morning then hacked out another 2&1 win over Lauren Mielbrecht of Florida in their Last 16 showdown.

The Philippines thus sent three bets in the quarters with Rodriguez taking over as the top seed after low medalist Amy Anderson was upset by No. 18 Jaclyn Jansen of Illinois, 2&1, in the Last 16.

But Rodriguez will meet Ardina, last year’s runner-up here, in the quarters while Piccio takes on Punpaka Phuntumabamrung for a berth in the semis.

“It will be anybody’s game. Cyna is playing solid despite her two close wins while Dottie has regained her form after a shaky stint in the qualifiers,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez.

The other quarter pairings pit Jansen vs Lauren Weaver while Ashley McKenney and Jackier Chang clash in the final pairing.