Espedido, Sarines claim wins

TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite — Mavis Espedido and Lisa Sarines kept their junior golf streaks alive, claiming victory in the second leg of the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in their own unique ways.

Espedido triumphed in the girls’ 7-10 division, edging Venus delos Santos by one stroke in a thrilling finish. Espedido shot a final-round 77, bringing her total to 153, just ahead of Delos Santos who carded a 75 to finish with 154. Delos Santos almost forced a playoff with a birdie on the 18th. Winter Serapio and Penelope Sy rounded out the top four with scores of 173 and 178, respectively, as the gusty winds and intense heat added extra challenge.

Espedido, who dominated the first leg at Eagle Ridge with a 14-shot lead, had five birdies in her round, including chip-ins and a variety of putts. Her back-to-back wins give her a solid lead in the race for a Luzon team spot at the North vs. South Finals.

“I stayed focused to shoot a good score and come out on top again,” said Espedido, giving credit to the Lord, her family, and her coach. She’s now looking ahead to a possible three-peat at Splendido Taal next week.

In the girls’ 11-14 category, Lisa Sarines pulled away from her twin sister Mona after a solid front nine and a string of pars on the back to shoot a 73, finishing with a 150 total, three strokes ahead of Mona, who shot 76 for 153. Keira Que took third at 170.

“That pitch-in birdie on No. 9 gave me the momentum I needed,” Lisa shared. “I’ll never get tired of winning, but I know I have to stay humble.”

Reflecting on a double-bogey start, she added, “Never lose hope. I kept fighting and turned things around.”

Keira Que finished a distant third at 170 after an 85, followed by Kendra Garingalao (173) and Althea Bañez (177).

In the boys’ 11-14 division, Vito Sarines mounted a back-nine comeback to steal the title from Ryuji Suzuki, posting a 71 for a 147 total, five strokes clear of Suzuki. Sarines, who was two strokes behind early, made an eagle on the par-5 12th, followed by a birdie on No. 15 and three pars to close.

“I felt a bit of pressure, but I knew I had to stay calm and focused,” said Vito, who highlighted his comeback with a stunning eagle on No. 12. “I worked hard for this win and wanted to bounce back after struggling at Eagle Ridge.”

Jacob Casuga finished third at 169, followed by Ryuichi Tao at 176, and Matthias Espina and Cade Santos tied for fifth at 180.

Zoji Edoc cruised to a commanding 16-shot victory in the boys’ 7-10 category with a 172 total after a final-round 91. The win was especially sweet after he narrowly lost to titleholder Zach Guico at Eagle Ridge.

“I really wanted to win this week, especially after my setback at Eagle Ridge,” Edoc said, thanking his coach and family for their unwavering support.

In the boys’ 15-18 division, the stage is set for a dramatic finish as Patrick Tambalque and Zach Villaroman remain tied after consistent rounds of 76 and 74 for a 150 total. But John Paul Agustin Jr. is right in the mix, just one shot back after a tournament-best 72, which included a clutch eagle on No. 15. It’s shaping up to be a high-stakes finale in this 54-hole event.

“I’m not going to focus on who’s ahead or what I need to catch up,” Tambalque said. “I’ll just play my game and keep the pressure low.”

In the girls’ 15-18 category, Rafa Anciano moved closer to redemption after a tough loss at Eagle Ridge, shooting 79 to take a five-shot lead at 176. Levonne Talion, who beat Anciano in a dramatic playoff last time, shot 85 for a 181 total.

Despite the lead, Anciano remains focused. “I’ve learned to stay locked in on my goals, no matter what my opponent is doing,” she said.

Chloe Rada fell further behind with an 89, totaling 187, while first-round leader Angelica Bañez withdrew after 12 holes due to exhaustion.