CENTRAL Philippine University recovered from an early miscue to score a 7-1 win over Ateneo de Iloilo in the final round of the 2018 Iloilo PRISAA secondary boys football at the CPU football field.
With star James Tuazon held by the defense, Hanz Soldevilla, Yanyan Velario, Christian Dequilla, Khent Brian Valenzuela, Joshua Silao, Yuki Ferrer, and Silak Belosillo rose to the occasion with a goal each for CPU.
CPU did not get the start it wanted in the rain-drenched finale on Nov. 22 as Wrenz Lopez committed an own goal violation to hand the powerhouse Ateneo a 1-0 lead.
But that proved to be the last point for Ateneo as CPU rained goals against the opponent with consecutive hits from Soldevilla, Velario, Dequilla, and Valenzuela for a 4-1 halftime lead.
After the break the advantage swelled further as CPU continued to attack the defense of Ateneo via conversions from Silao, Ferrer and Belosillo.
“Dinaan lang po namin sa sipag at tiyaga sa training,” said Tuazon.
“We also know that Ateneo de Iloilo is a tough opponent so the team really prepared for this match. Luckily we were able to find the holes on their defense,” he added.
But CPU was unsuccessful in sweeping the two football crowns after suffering a 0-1 defeat at the hands of PAREF-Westbridge School for Boys in the final round of the elementary division. Romald Anthony Bayting scored the lone goal for Westbridge in the 85th minute.
St. Joseph School, meanwhile, settled for third place./PN
