Merkle, Corpuz, Kim on to match play

Moanalua High alum Kristina Merkle, one of eight golfers with Hawaii ties in the event, shot a 2-over 74 Tuesday to finish 13th and advance to match play in the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship in Neshanic Station, N.J.

Merkle finished two rounds of medal play at the Neshanic Valley Golf Course with rounds of 69-74—143, 1 under overall.

Joining Merkle in match play with be Kyung Kim and Allisen Corpuz.

Kim, formerly of Maui and now based in Chandler, Ariz., shot 71 Tuesday to finish even-par 144 and tied for 20th.

Corpuz, a Punahou freshman-to-be, shot her second 74 to finish at 148 and tied for 54th.

Today, Merkle will play Faith Hardison of Jamesville, N.C.; Kim will play Ellen Mueller of Bartlesville, Okla.; and Corpuz will play Kelsey Vines of San Antonio, Texas.

Five others failed to advance. They were Zoey Akagi-Bustin (80-70—150, t66), Rose Huang (74-79—153, t97), Kelli Oride (79-75—154, t105), Britney Yada (77-79—156, t115) and Hansol Koo (85-78—163, t143).

Koga and Min medal on Maui

Eimi Koga of Honolulu and Ciera Min of Hilo both shot 2-under-par 70s to claim medalist honors at the USGA Girls Junior Amateur at Wailea’s Old Blue Course on Maui on Tuesday.

Youngin Chin, a 12-year old from Korea, shot a 71 to take third.

All three girls earned a spot in the national championship tournament in Daly City, Calif., beginning July 16.

Mariel Galdiano of Pearl City and Aiko Leong of Honolulu are the alternates.