Cyna makes PNGA finals vs top seed

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning RP Ladies Open champion Cyna Rodriguez bundled out two ICTSI teammates, including SEA Games gold medalist Chihiro Ikeda, 6&5, to arrange a showdown for the PNGA (Pacific Northwest Golf Association) Women’s Amateur Championship crown in Clarkston, Washington Thursday.

Rodriguez, reaching peak form after a so-so stint in the 36-stroke play elims, outlasted Lovelynn Guioguio, 1-up, in the morning quarterfinal round match then outplayed Ikeda in the afternoon for a berth in the finals.

“Cyna is in top shape. Beating Chihiro by that score speaks well of her form,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez. “But against (Rachel) Morris, she must putt well to win.”

The top-seeded Morris scrambled for a 1-up victory over Amelia Hill in the quarters but stamped her class over Amanda Jacobs in the afternoon semis to set up a duel with Rodriguez.

Ikeda edged Pamela Burneski, 2&1, in the quarters but couldn’t keep pace with Rodriguez in their semis showdown.

Rodriguez, last year’s Texas Junior Open champion, went to work early, birdying Nos. 3 and 4 to go 2-up.

Ikeda fought back by winning No, 5 but Rodriguez took Nos. 7 and 8 with pars, birdied No. 10 to go 4-up before ramming in an eagle on the 11th to go unassailably ahead.

She clinched the match with another birdie on the par-3 No. 13 for a clash with Morris, who will be her teammate in the University of Southern California this coming school year.