Despite the tough regional rivalry across Mindanao, the University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UPMin) ruled the men’s category, while Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) emerged victorious in the women’s category in the recently concluded Ateneo Blue Knights League (ABKL) Season 2 futsal tournament. 

In the men’s category, UPMin led the charge in the first half with a first-goal tap-in to score the match’s first goal against HCDC.

However, HCDC closed the scoring gap with a series of attacks, aided by an impenetrable triangle defense, to equalize in the second half.

In an intense match of HCDC’s relentless attacks, faced with UPMin’s unyielding defense, both teams were able to even out their scores at the end of the second half.  

In the sudden-death kick off with three players from both teams, UPMin’s goal keeper stonewalled HCDC’s attempts to score a point, securing a 3-2 victory after HCDC couldn’t convert.

UPMin Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jake Gasque highlighted that the team’s coordination and fighting spirit inspired them to win despite facing strong opponents throughout the tournament. 

“Dili lang jud mag surrender, [dapat naay] fighting spirit kay maski pagkakita namo sa ubang team na kusog kaayo, dula lang gud kay makita mana sa resulta; work as a team jud,” he said.

In the men’s category, UPMin and HCDC snared gold and silver, respectively, while Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) took bronze against Six Seven FC.

Contrary to the close match in the men’s category, the HCDC women’s team cruised to a dominant 3-0 shutout over Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) with ruthless possession play throughout the match.

HCDC MVP Evon Ningwa explained that the playing area’s size, as well as the slippery floor, challenged their team to eventually adjust their strategies.

“Danlog jud ang court tapos gamay sad sya so maglisod mig adjust pero thankfully nakaya sa among teammates,” Ningwa stated.

HCDC Golden Boot awardee Maxine Nicole Calabio noted that they had extensive preparations, as they had to adjust their lineup due to other members having prior commitments.

“Dili jud mi kumpleto kay ang mga key players kay wala, mao [to na nibag-o] ang among [lineup],” Calabio shared.

While HCDC secured the gold medal against RMC Khanj, RMC Lady Bulldogs finished in third place after a victory over Blue Knights XV, despite playing on their home turf.

The Ateneo Blue Knights League Season 2 futsal tournament unfolded on April 9 at Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School – Bangkal Campus.