Getting massive contributions from a young star and a veteran, Manila Southwoods-Masters pooled 155 points yesterday to zoom to a 20-point lead over Cebu Country Club after 36 holes of the Philippine Airlines Ladies’ Interclub at Rancho Palos Verdes in Davao.
Abby Arevalo, a 14-year-old from a golfing family, and Lora Roberto, who was a pro material until she pursued a lucrative business in golf wear, returned two-over-par 74s equivalent to 52 points each to spearhead SW-Masters’ swashbuckling day on the way to a 302 total. Claire Ong failed to count again with a 37.
Kat Gonzales completed the SW-Masters’ scoring with a 51 as Cebu CC, which started the day just a point behind, couldn’t keep up and settled for 136 anchored on Alyeska Yuna’s 49.
Jyka Wong had 45 and skipper Kim Hong made 42 as the Cebuanos threw away the 28 of Hannah Wong.
SW-Masters skipper Beachie Abiera played the same opening-day team.
“I really expected those scores from Abby, Lora and Kat because they have a better knowledge of the course after playing in the first round,” said Abiera.
Southwoods’ Miya and Missy Legaspi and Annika Cedo will try to fend off Cebu and the rest of the field in the last two days for the tournament’s first “three-peat.”
Louise Kaye Go, who shot a 55 Wednesday, will again come out for Cebu.
Meanwhile, Alabang I shot a second straight 130 for a 260 to widen its lead to 19 points over Manila Southwoods-Legends (124) in the Founders Division. Valley South had a 114 for third at 227 followed by Mactan (106-213), Tagaytay Highlands (115-188) and Iloilo (107-182).
Apo Golf I raced to a 40-point lead over host Rancho Palos Verdes in the Sportswriters Division after shooting 119 for a 255. The hosts had a 215 after a 106 while Pueblo De Oro made a 92 for 190, Victorias scored a 93 for 182 and Eagle Ridge totaled 176 after an 86.
Davao City held off a rallying Lady Eagles from Australia with a 104 for 220 in the Friendship Division, 13 clear of the Aussies, who had a 135 for 207.
Valley North dropped from second to third with a 97 for a 201, followed by Alabang 2 (95-196), Villamor (104-195), Aguinaldo (84-165), Apo 2 (68-155) and Cebu CC (61-133). Musong R. Castillo