Defending Titlist Gaston, Olsen Win at Women’s State Amateur

Two Porter Valley Country Club members advanced to the round of 16 with first-round match-play victories Wednesday in the Women’s State Amateur Championship at The Golf Club at Quail Lodge in Carmel, Calif.

Defending champion Andrea Gaston of Chatsworth routed Nancy Markey of San Francisco, 6 and 5. Gaston will face Amanda Nealy of Grant’s Pass, Ore., today at 7:35 a.m.

Linda Chen Olsen of Granada Hills, who during stroke play Tuesday shot 75 and earned co-medalist honors, defeated Arlene Yost of San Luis Obispo, 6 and 4.

Olsen will face Yukari Horikoshi of Santa Ana today at 7:30 a.m. If Olsen and Gaston win today, they will meet in the quarterfinals Friday.

Gaston rebounded after shooting a disappointing 12-over-par 83 in qualifying.

“I guess in defending the title there’s a little more pressure,” she said.

Two other area players fell in the first round. Jody Duclos of Moorpark, a finalist last year, was beaten by Lynne Cowan of Hollister, 4 and 2. Cheryl Musser of West Hills was edged by Diane Irvin of Pacific Palisades, 2 and 1.

The tournament ends Sunday.