Piccio loses steam, bows in semis

MANILA, Philippines - Mia Piccio knocked off Courtney McKim of North Carolina, 3&1, in the quarterfinals but missed a crack at the finals with a 3&2 loss to Moriya Jutanugarn in the Western Women’s Golf Association National Amateur Championship in Monroe, Michigan Friday.

Piccio, the lone Filipina survivor after three rounds of the knockout stage, dished out fine form in disposing of McKim in their morning duel but the ICTSI-backed scholar at Univ. of Florida failed to sustain her charge against the young Jutanugarn in their semis clash at the Monroe Golf and Country Club.

The Thai lass’ victory completed an all-sister showdown for the crown as top seed Ariya Jutanugarn posted another pair of impressive wins, 4&3 over Shannon Lubar, and 3&2 over Amy Meier, to reach the finals.

Cyna Rodriguez, meanwhile, atoned for her missed cut stint in the 36-hole stroke play elims Tuesday, beating Breanna Patz, 6&5, in the finals to cop the First Flight Division crown.