Piccio 2 off after 65; Ardina hangs on

MANILA, Philippines - Mia Piccio fired a career-low seven-under 65 to move within two off Laura Gonzales Escallon of Belgium in the battle for low medal honors in the third round 2013 LPGA Qualifying Tournament Stage I at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California Thursday.

Five down halfway through the 72-hole elims, the 22-year-old Piccio pounded the Palmer course with eight birdies against a bogey for that stirring 65 that not only assured the Filipina bet’s entry into Stage 2 but likewise put her on track for low medal honors.

“I got off to a really good start,” said the ICTSI-backed Piccio, a product of University of Florida who helped power Gator to their third straight NCAA crown earlier this year. “I think that was the most birdies I’ve made in a single round. It was fun. I just felt like I couldn’t miss a putt today (Thursday). You look at it and the line is there and feel so confident it will go in.”

With a 10-under 206 total, which included rounds of 71-70, Piccio moved just two strokes off Escallon, who carded a 69 for a 204 heading to the final round of the first of three stages leading to an LPGA card next year.

Dottie Ardina also continued to gain despite settling for a one-under 71, also at the Palmer layout, as the top Filipina bet, who rallied with a 69 after an opening 76, gained a share of 19th from joint 25th with an even 216 total.

Escallon, Piccio and Ardina, along with the other players in the top 20, will play the tougher Dinah Shore layout in Friday’s final round.