A recent national championship showdown gets a compelling sequel when the ICTSI Elite Junior PGT Finals blasts off on Tuesday with North’s Lisa Sarines and Team South’s Tashanah Balangauan and Precious Zaragosa renewing their rivalry in the girls’ 15-18 division at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.
Sarines comes into the Ryder Cup-style showdown with bragging rights firmly in hand after dominating Balangauan and Zaragosa in the National Stroke Play Championship at Pradera Verde. But while the North ace proved her mettle in a pressure-packed individual battle, Zaragosa has since shown signs of a strong bounce-back, particularly in head-to-head competition.
Zaragosa emerged as the top performer among the three in the National Match Play Championship, advancing all the way to the final before settling for runner-up honors to champion Grace Quintanilla. Sarines, meanwhile, placed third, while Balangauan also saw action in the tournament. The three, however, did not cross paths, leaving Zaragosa without a chance to face Sarines directly.
Still, Zaragosa’s deep run in match play provides a timely boost heading into the team showdown, where she and Balangauan will look to turn the tables on Sarines and the North squad. And with the South players boasting greater familiarity with Pueblo de Oro, the rematch could take on a much different complexion from their previous encounter.
Balangauan and Zaragosa will be driven not only by the desire to avenge their recent setbacks but also by the confidence that comes with playing on familiar turf. Pueblo de Oro’s rolling terrain, deep natural ravines and five interconnected lakes provide a demanding test, but one that the local players know perhaps better than anyone in the field. TMT
