Mendoza dominates rain-hit IIT Eastridge as Ateneo-1 triumphs

ANGONO, Rizal — Monique Mendoza delivered a performance that defied both the elements and a tough field, carding an 11-over 83 to rule the weather-disrupted Round 4 of the ICTSI Eastridge Intercollegiate Tournament at Eastridge Golf Club on Sunday.

Navigating the par-72 mountaintop layout under erratic weather—alternating between intense sunshine and sudden downpours—Mendoza maintained composure in a round that tested physical and mental endurance.

Play was suspended for nearly two hours due to a lightning threat, halting momentum and forcing players to reset.

Despite the conditions, Mendoza of Ateneo-1 produced a gritty 42-41 round, battling through a double bogey and nine bogeys in a tournament where birdies were nearly nonexistent.

Even with three closing bogeys, Mendoza held steady to post a six-stroke victory over Pradera Verde leg champion Shane Tan in the 18-hole tournament—the fourth and final leg of the pioneering circuit co-developed by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation.

Mendoza, who placed third at Royal Northwoods but missed the Caliraya and Pradera legs due to academic commitments, made a strong return.

“I didn’t expect to win, especially since I haven’t really been playing much golf lately,” said the 20-year-old Mendoza. “Going into the tournament, I was just hoping for the best. Thankfully, my swing held up pretty well.”

She credited her short game for the win.

“My putting also clicked,” she said. “But more than anything, the key was maintaining a strong mindset throughout, despite the challenging weather and tough conditions.”

Asked what helped her seal the victory, Mendoza said, “You just have to stay focused on what’s ahead and keep playing your game.”

With Simi Tinio carding a 93, Ateneo-1 secured the team championship with a total of 176, followed by Ateneo-2 at 196 and La Salle-1 at 198.

Riding high from their sweep of both individual and team titles, Mendoza remains motivated.

“We just have to keep pushing forward and hold on to the belief that we can win in the finals,” she said.

Tan birdied the 16th but bogeyed the last two holes to finish with an 89 and secure runner-up honors, while Ateneo individual player Julia Lorenzo, Caliraya Springs leg champion and overall individual leader Addie Manhit of UP-1, and Tinio each scored 93s.

Royal Northwoods leg winner and La Salle-1 standout Julia Lua placed sixth with 95, followed by Ateneo individual Renee Heredia with 96, Natasha Bantug of College of St. Benilde with 102, and Andrea Joson of Ateneo-1, Janine Yusay of La Salle-1, and Deborah Escote of UST-1, who all shot 103s.

Only teams and individuals who played at least two of the four events advanced to the finals, set for Sept. 23–25 at Splendido Taal Golf Club, to be held alongside the men’s championship.

The top 8 teams (and ties) in each division, along with all point-scoring individuals, will compete for the season crown.