By Jean Malanum
MANILA – De La Salle University delivered a brilliant second-round performance Tuesday to tighten its grip on both the individual and team races with 36 holes still left to play in the 72-hole UAAP Season 88 golf tournament at Tagaytay Midlands.
Perry Bucay fired a 71 while Zach Castro shot a 72 as they continue to anchor the Green Archers’ charge, staying 1-2 in the men’s individual standings for 36-hole totals of 143 and 145, respectively.
Their consistent showing also boosted La Salle’s bid in team competition as junior golf standout Martin Lu debuted with a 74 and counted for the team’s 217 output in the four-to-play, three-to-count format tournament.
With a two-day aggregate of 440, the Green Archers stretched their overnight five-stroke lead into a massive 26-shot advantage over the University of the Philippines (UP), which compiled a 466 after a 240 behind Joshua Buenaventura’s 75, Emilio Carpio’s 81 and Miggy Roque’s 84.
Buenaventura remained at third in individual play with 149, while Ateneo’s Glenn Unabia carded a 74 for 150, and La Salle’s Zedi Lagman pooled a 154 after a 78 for fifth.
“We’re not going to step on the brakes. We’re trying to make a statement here, especially since it’s the first year of UAAP golf,” said Bucay of La Salle’s approach this week.
Ateneo moved within five strokes off UP with a 471 after a 231 as Unabia registered a two-over round, Schmuel Tan chipped in a 75, while Mich Romero added an 82, while the University of Santo Tomas and Adamson took the next two spots in the five-team field with 251-512 and 367-737, respectively.
The Lady Archers also seized control of both the individual and team competitions.
Julia Lua recovered from an opening-round 86, firing a 79 highlighted by a birdie on the last hole. The inaugural ICTSI Intercollegiate individual champion jumped from third place to grab a three-stroke lead with a 36-hole total of 165. (PNA)
