CELEBRATION. NMRAA-National High School Strikers celebrate after defeating ZPRAA, 4-1, to stay in contention for the Cebu Palarong Pambansa ’24 Futsal quarterfinals. (Contributed photo)
MindanaoToday.com | NMRAA-Bulua NHS on brink of Q-finals
By: Jack Biantan
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Northern Mindanao Athletic Association (NMRAA), represented by Bulua National High School of Cagayan de Oro City, needed a second half charge to destroy Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) 4-1, in the second day of competition in the Girls Palarong Pambansa Futsal event at the world class futsal court of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu in Mandaue City, Cebu.
The victory put the Lady Strikers of coach Jun Actub in contention for the quarterfinals tying with NCR for the second place in Group 1. They held the powerhouse National Capital Region to a scoreless draw in their debut match on the first day.
The Lady Strikers will need at least a draw against host and tournament defending champion Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVRAA) Ateneo de Cebu today to meet either the top one or the second placer team in Group B.
Group B is made up of lightweight teams Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA), Bicol Region Athletic Association (BRAA), Region 1 Athletic Association, and Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association.
NCR which lost to CVRAA 4-3, will also try to advance when the Big City girls meet ZPRAA in a crucial match to determine the second team from Group 1.
Defending champion and host team CVRAA, has already barged into the q-finals after scoring two victories, 7-3 against ZPRAA in the first day and then a 4-3 escape from NCR in the second day. ZPRAA is out of contention now with two loses but will try to spoil NCR’s entry to the quarters.
Mary Grace Lapinig opened the goal scoring for the Bulua girls. Norman Palatis then added another one after ZPAA equalized for a 2-1 halftime score.
The Lady Strikers leading ladies Queency Love Canaman and Norjean Palatis, then did not disappoint as they scored two goals in the second half to seal their victory. (jackbiantantambok@gmail.com)
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