Cyna makes it to Pinehurst match play

MANILA, Philippines - Cyna Rodriguez birdied two of the last six holes to salvage a one-under 71 and finish at 12th in the three-day stroke play qualifier in the Women’s North and South Amateur Golf Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina Thursday.

Rodriguez, who groped for form with a pair of 73s to make it to the first 36-hole cut, continued to struggle in the early going, hitting two birdies but fumbling with three bogeys. But she recovered in time, birdying Nos. 13 and 17 to finish with a 35-36 card and a 54-hole aggregate of 217.

The top ICTSI-backed bet wound up No. 12 and made the Last 16 cast for the knockout stage which starts Friday.

Rodriguez, who swept the Sacramento and Long Beach titles three weeks ago, will face Ally McDonald of Mississippi, who ended up No. 5 with a 213 after a 73.

Low medalist Hayley Bettencourt of Washington fired a 68 then nipped Ashlan Ramsey and Mariah Stackhouse, who both carded 70s, in the countback to clinch the low medal honors at 212.