LANIKAI — Unlike the up-and-down layout of Mid-Pacific Country Club, Xyra Suyetsugu's golf game this week was steady throughout.

The 21-year-old University of Hawai'i senior shot rounds of 75-72-74 for a 5-over-par 221 to win her first Hawai'i State Women's Stroke Play Championship.

Mid-Pacific Institute junior Hayley Young and Kalani High senior Nicole Sakamoto both finished five strokes behind at 226, but Young was awarded second place after matching scorecards.

"I really didn't expect to win," said Suyetsugu, who joined UH teammate Lisa Kajihara and Sakamoto in the final threesome.

Suyetsugu, who vaulted into the lead following her second day even-par 72, wasn't overly concerned about holding her lead.

"I just wanted to go out and have fun," she said. "I played with (Kajihara) so we were out there laughing all day. I wasn't thinking about my score so there was less pressure today."

Kajihara shot a final-round 80 to finish fourth at 230.

Sakamoto kept the pressure on Suyetsugu with steady play of her own, including an eagle on the par-5 16th hole.

The 16-year-old crushed her tee shot down the middle of the fairway on No. 16. Her second shot landed just off the left side of the green, leaving her about 15 yards away.

"I just tried to get it close," said Sakamoto, whose chip landed about 6 feet in front of the hole with the ball rolling on the slight downhill and into the cup. "I was really surprised ... and really lucky."

Despite the eagle, Sakamoto knew it would take an implosion by Suyetsugu to win.

"She made a lot of good putts, her short game is really good," said Sakamoto, who shot a final-round 76. "I was just trying to grind it out and make birdies when I could."

Kathy Tsukada, the Waialae Women's Invitational co-champion, finished fifth at 231 and Nancy Shon was sixth at 239.

NOTES

Sakamoto, Young and Punahou's Hee Sue Condry will represent Hawai'i at the United States Golf Association Women's State Team Championship, Sept 18 to 20, in The Woodlands, Texas.

Lisa Okazaki aced the 145-yard fourth hole yesterday using a 7-iron.

Reach Kalani Takase at ktakase@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8040