Jerish Hanz Denzel Banta and Loiy Mohammad Odeh dazzled the crowd with their footwork as the Social Sciences Dragons cruised to a 2-0 victory over Business and Management Vipers in the 2019 Palarong Atenista Football mixed finals on Sunday, August 11 at the Ateneo de Davao Matina Campus.

Both squad’s aggressive defense was on full display during the first period with neither  team scoring a goal. The second half told a different story as sociology student Banta who is also transferee, broke the tie ending the goal drought. Odeh from Psychology 1-A drove the nail in the coffin a few minutes later with another goal to cement the SS victory.

“I feel satisfied and overwhelmed sa gibigay na support ng SS” said Banta as his delight was clearly visible with their team’s victory.  He claimed that it was his first time to compete for the SS Dragons in this years’ Palarong Atenista Football cup. 

Before delivering his team’s winning goal, Odeh on the other hand, admitted that he felt the tremendous pressure during the last remaining minutes of the game. 

“It was in the last moment, like all the team needed that goal– we need that goal to win. Thank God it was a good point, good position so I took it very well and scored.” He said. 

Odeh shared that he appreciated the effort shown by his team on both offense and defense.

“They are fighters, they fought very well, and they were strong –I did not expect that while we were training,”  

Despite their loss, BM Vipers Outdoor Sports Head and Football adviser, Rafael Jacinto Palileo expressed his disappointment over losing but managed to remain positive for their team.

“Of course, of loss talaga. Masakit kasi we tried our best naman just like everybody else pero on the bright side, ito nagkafamily naman kami as a team and I think it’s a milestone sa B&M Vipers to be able to reach the championship.” 

Palileo also added that the BM Vipers did very well. 

“They did well uy, they did their best although they fell short, pero proud ako uy, proud ako.” 

Business and Management Vipers placed second while the Accountancy Griffins landed on third place followed by School of Engineering and Architecture Tigers.