AGUILAS Dabaw defended their crown after beating the Philippine College of Davao (PCT) 2-1, in the finals of the just-concluded 13th Acosta Cup Ladies Football Tournament held at the Tionko Field over the weekend.
Rozianne Joy Rivera of Aguilas netted the first goal in the 21st minute of the first quarter as teammate Marice Magdolot knocked the second goal in the first 21 minutes of the second period.
With barely 10 minutes left in the clock, PCT's Aiza Gravador managed to kick their first goal but failed to hit another enough to beat the Aguilas.
Coach Jessie Gravino, in an interview with SunStar Davao, expressed joy upon winning the championship match.
Gravino added that it was a tough game as both teams imposed their will to win.
“We prevailed in the later part kasi nag loose na yung defense nila dahil nag focus sila sa offense (because their defense loosened while focusing on the offense).”
The winning coach envisions more practice for the team so they could defend their title in the coming games.
"Some of our players who study in Manila will come back to play for us so expect us to be more tougher," he announced.
Aguilas Dabaw also leaned on the services of Celina Simone Jaldon, Riann Mari Arcega, Jenka Cantilla, Bianca Nicole Carillo, Joannie Del Rosario-Jovenal, Patricia Anne Fabello, Jerilyn Kaletuang, Marice Magdolot, Marie Magdolot, Kim Maligad, Gabriela Medina, Thelma Pangumpia, Ara Monica Sabejon, Marion Mari Suzara, Jennie Elvey, Angel Nicki Velasco, Cherry Mae Vilchez and Nina Ricci Yanto.
First District Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta and Councilor Edgar Kap Ibuyan were in attendance to award the participants.
PCT and D' Davao Survivors settled for the runner up honors in the bootfest organized by Team Acosta and backed by the City Mayors Office, Vibrant Earthmovers Inc., Jollibee, Tadeco, NCCC, RDL Pharmaceutical Laboratory Inc., Southern Toursit Inn, Ulticon Builders Inc. and Norminring KTM.