With a score of 2-0, School of Engineering & Architecture (SEA) Tigers trumped Accountancy (ACC) Griffins in the football mixed finals, August 12, in Ateneo de Davao University Matina Campus.

The defensive prowess of each team was on full display during the first half, with both teams being unable to score. However, Tigers team captain Glean Paulo Lumabao and Ralph Estor broke the nil by scoring two consecutive goals during the second half of the game, leading their team to victory.

Lumabao was clearly elated after winning the championship, bouncing back after failing to qualify last year.

“For us, this year is [our] redemption year, because last year we failed to qualify… for me, in my part, I disappointed my [team]. We need to redeem this year kasi we need to prove something to the school,” he said.

Tigers coach Leander Varquez said that their win was a glorious moment for them especially after their loss last year.

“Yesterday’s dream was today’s reality… Actually, wala namin inexpect na ganon ka blessing ang game… It’s really an intense game, blessing masyado na nabigyan kami ng chance and opportunity to score two goals,” he said.

Despite their loss, Griffins skipper Emmanuel Collado remained positive for their team.

“We understand that giving your all is not even an assurance of a victory. Because of that, it’s not even an excuse na next time, do less, but instead it’s an avenue nga next time, you do better. This hurts, sa amoa especially, kay two years in a row nga napildi mig finals pero we gave it our all and that’s what counts para sa amoa,” he said.

Griffins fullback Carlos John Dejame shared the same sentiment.

“Hindi naman sa disappointed, pero nasayangan. Pero ganun talaga, every game may nanalo, may natalo, so we just have to live with it and learn from our mistakes,” he said.

Match commissioner David Daryanani saw the improvement in the performance of the players over the two years of football tournament in Palarong Atenista.

“I think there’s a big improvement in the sport, in Ateneo, there’s a big difference in the match quality, especially seeing from last year to this year… it’s more intense, more fired up, which is very nice to see,” he said.

Daryanani praised the intensity of the performance of the players in the tournament.

“No matter what, football is a very ‘harsh’ sport, to an extent… So, knowing the aggressiveness, it’s nice to see because football is about hustling; we always have to hustle for the ball, we always have to fight, and we always have to score goals. That’s how it is,” he said.

Business & Management Vipers placed third, followed by Social Sciences Dragons, Computer Studies Chameleons, School of Nursing and School of Education Stags, and Humanities & Letters Wolves.