Ikeda, three others make Pacific Northwest quarterfinals

Manila, Philippines - Chihiro Ikeda posted a pair of emphatic wins to lead three other ICTSI teammates into the quarterfinal round of the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Annual Women’s Amateur Championship at the Port Ludlow Golf Club, Washington Wednesday.

Ikeda, who topped the 36-hole stroke play elims, trounced Alexus Song of Washington, 6&5, in the first round then trampled Kyla Inaba of British Columbia, 4&3, to gain a spot in the Last 8.

Third seed Cyna Rodriguez, Lovelynn Guioguio and Sunshine Baraquiel also disposed of their respective rivals to remain in the title hunt although No. 4 Jayvie Agojo fell by the wayside as she dropped a 4&2 setback to Idaho’s Olivia Weber in the round of 16 stage.

Rodriguez ripped Kaitlen Parsons, 4&3, then toppled Lori Pearson, 5&4, to arrange a quarters duel with Aaren Ziegler of Oregon; Guioguio repulsed Alexandra Thompson, 2&1, then routed Kerry Postillion, 7&6, to set up a clash with Weber; while No. 23 Baraquiel upset 10th seed Morgan Thompson, 1-up, then dominated Kristen Rue, 5&4, for a quarters clash with second seed Chessey Thomas.

“Ikeda is playing solid golf but must stay focused against a local bet in the quarters,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez, who also credited his three other players’ impressive games.

Ikeda hit two birdies and made four straight pars from No. 9 to whip Song and then came up with another two-birdie game plus three clutch pars to dominate Inaba. She slugs it out with No. 25 Amelia Ek of California for a seat in the semis.