Monique Mendoza delivered a performance that stood out against both the elements and a competitive field, carding an 11-over 83 to dominate the weather-hit Round 4 of the ICTSI Eastridge Intercollegiate Tournament at the Eastridge Golf Club in Angono, Rizal, on Sunday.
Facing a demanding par-72 mountaintop layout under unpredictable conditions—alternating between scorching heat and sudden downpours—Mendoza kept her composure in what turned into a true survival test. Play was halted for nearly two hours due to a lightning threat, forcing players to reset both mentally and physically before resuming.
Despite the disruptions, the Ateneo-1 standout battled through a gritty round of 42-41, managing a double bogey and nine bogeys in an event where birdies were few and far between.
Even after three closing bogeys, Mendoza remained steady, clinching a commanding six-stroke victory over Pradera Verde leg champion Shane Tan in the 18-hole tournament. It marked the fourth and final leg of the groundbreaking circuit co-organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and the Philippine Golf Foundation.
Mendoza, who previously placed third at Royal Northwoods but missed the Caliraya and Pradera legs due to academic commitments, returned with authority.
“I didn’t expect to win, especially since I haven’t been playing much golf lately,” said the 20-year-old. “Going into the tournament, I was just hoping for the best. Thankfully, my swing held up pretty well.”
She credited her short game as the difference-maker.
“My putting also clicked,” Mendoza said. “But more than anything, it was about keeping a strong mindset despite the tough weather and course conditions.”
When asked what sealed the victory, she added: “You just have to stay focused on what’s ahead and keep playing your game.”
With Simi Tinio posting a 93, Ateneo-1 also captured the team championship with a combined score of 176, beating Ateneo-2 (196) and La Salle-1 (198).
Riding high from their sweep of both individual and team honors, Mendoza is keeping her eyes forward. “We just have to keep pushing and believe that we can win in the finals,” she said.
Tan birdied the 16th but closed with back-to-back bogeys to finish runner-up with an 89. Ateneo individual player Julia Lorenzo, Caliraya Springs leg winner and overall leader Addie Manhit of UP-1, and Tinio all carded 93s.
Royal Northwoods leg champion Julia Lua of La Salle-1 finished sixth with 95, followed by Ateneo’s Renee Heredia (96). Rounding out the leaderboard were Natasha Bantug of College of St. Benilde (102) and three players tied at 103: Andrea Joson (Ateneo-1), Janine Yusay (La Salle-1), and Deborah Escote (UST-1).
Only teams and players who participated in at least two of the four legs qualified for the finals, scheduled for Sept. 23-25 at Splendido Taal Golf Club, alongside the men’s championship.
The Top 8 teams in each division, plus all point-scoring individuals, will vie for the season crown.
