Crista Miñoza is part of the powerhouse 15-18 division roster of Team South. Other members are Tashanah Balangauan, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo. (Contributed photo)
STA. ROSA, Laguna – The country’s top junior golfers are set for battle as the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals tees off Wednesday at The Country Club, bringing together 48 of the best talents from Luzon (Team North) and Visayas-Mindanao (Team South).
Patterned after the prestigious Ryder Cup, the three-day event will test teamwork and resilience with Four-Ball (Best Ball) matches on Day 1, Foursomes (Alternate Shot) on Day 2, and Singles duels on the final day.
“Keep the ball in the fairway and hit greens in regulation,” said Team North co-captain Ryan Tambalque, who emphasized focus and consistency in Four-Ball play. He added that camaraderie and chemistry, built through weekly tournaments and shared training sessions, give the North squad an edge.
The boys’ 7-10 division will open play from the first tee, followed by the 11-14 and 15-18 brackets, while the girls’ divisions begin simultaneously from the 10th tee.
Team South skipper Alfred Gaccion, however, is confident in his squad’s depth and balance. “We’re fielding a strong lineup across all divisions, especially in the girls’ 15-18 bracket with Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa, and Mikela Guillermo. Team play will be our foundation,” he said.
Their counterparts from the North’s 15-18 girls’ side—Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino, and Chloe Rada—are also poised to deliver, highlighting what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Complete rosters:
Team North –
• Boys 7-10: Zoji Edoc, Zach Guico, Asher Abad, Halo Pangilinan
• Girls 7-10: Ronee Dungca, Mavis Espedido, Winter Serapio, Tyra Garingalao
• Boys 11-14: Vito Sarines, Zianbeau Edoc, Ryuji Suzuki, Jacob Casuga
• Girls 11-14: Lisa Sarines, Mona Sarines, Kendra Garingalao, Alexie Gabi
• Boys 15-18: Patrick Tambalque, Zachary Villaroman, Jose Carlos Taruc, Kristoffer Nadales
• Girls 15-18: Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino, Chloe Rada
Team South –
• Boys 7-10: Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza, Kvan Alburo, James Rolida
• Girls 7-10: Denise Mendoza, Soleil Molde, Claren Quiño, Francesca Geroy
• Boys 11-14: Ralph Batican, Ken Guillermo, Jared Saban, Marcus Dueñas
• Girls 11-14: Brittany Tamayo, Kimberly Baroquillo, Zuri Bagaloyos, Rafella Batican
• Boys 15-18: Alexis Nailga, Luciano Copok, Mhark Fernando III, Eric Jeon
• Girls 15-18: Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa, Mikela Guillermo
With national pride and regional bragging rights at stake, the North-South duel promises intense competition, teamwork, and a glimpse at the country’s rising golf stars.