Espedido completes hat trick after convincing triumph at Splendido
Mavis Espedido pulled off a hat trick in the girls’ 7-10 division of the ICTSI Junior PGT Championship’s first Luzon series on Tuesday after shooting a four-over-par 76 for a three-shot win over Winter Serapio at Splendido in Batangas.
After tallying a 36-hole 156, Espedido now has 45 points after victories at Eagle Ridge and Sherwood Hills, zooming comfortably out front in the race for berths in the North vs. South Elite Junior Finals at The Country Club later this year.
“Winning a three-peat makes me really happy, because it reflects all the hard work I’ve put in and the support I’ve received from everyone,” said Espedido, who highlighted her round with an eagle on the par-5 No. 2 with an 11-foot putt.
Serapio, who also eagled No. 2, closed out with a 78 even as Penelope Sy finished a far third with a 159 after returning a 78.
Meanwhile, players from the south will begin their Vis-Min series on Monday in Mactan, Cebu. The Luzon series will resume in July at Riviera Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite.
Motivated
Zach Guico reclaimed the boys’ 7-10 title after closing out with an 84 to beat Zoji Edoc by four strokes. Guico posted a 36-hole total of 174, while Edoc, who led by five after the opening round, wavered with a 93 for 178.
Guico, who edged Edoc by one stroke at Eagle Ridge but skipped the Sherwood Hills leg that opened the door for an Edoc win, boosted his national finals bid with 30 points. Edoc still leads the race in their division with 39.
“I feel good and more confident after winning two tournaments,” said Guico, who added that the recent victories have motivated him to train harder and aim for even bigger goals.
In the girls’ 11-14 division, Mona Sarines prevented a sweep by twin sister Lisa Sarines after a one-shot win made possible by a final round 75 for 153/ Lisa closed out with a 76, with Alexie Gabi finishing third after an 83 for 166.
Despite the setback, Lisa remained in strong contention for the national finals with 42 points, while Mona boosted her total to 39 points.
