Punahou repeats as girls state golf champ

Punahou successfully defended its title yesterday, winning the David S. Ishii Foundation/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Girls Golf State Championship at Wailua Municipal Golf Course on Kauai.

The Buffanblu finished at 221--441, 17 strokes ahead of Waiakea (229--458). Maui was third (273--464) and Mid-Pacific fourth (239--482) in the 13-team field.

Oahu Interscholastic Association champion Kristina Merkle, a junior at Moanalua, took medalist honors with a 75--145. Defending champion Anna Jang of Punahou and Waiakea's Britney Yada, the first-round leader, tied for second at 147.

The state boys tournament is next Tuesday and Wednesday, also at Wailua.