Ateneo girl booters win fifth Alaska Cup crown

THE Ateneo de Davao girls had another successful campaign in the annual Alaska Cup when they captured their fifth straight crown in the 12-under category recently in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa.

The Ateneo girls beat Nomads FC in the finals, 2-1, courtesy of Joana Marie Adao to cap another amazing run in one of the country's biggest football event for the young booters.


Adao went on to win Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors, her second straight individual award in the Alaska Cup, which was staging its 16th edition.

Ateneo made it a double celebration when the the 8-under team also emerged champion.

The Ateneo girls reached the finals after beating DSL Lipa in the semifinals, 5-0, while Nomads FC earned the right to play the Davao booters following its 2-1 win over Sakya.

In the battle for third, Sakya topped DSL Lipa.

Aside from Adao, playing for Ateneo were Bea Dongon Deluna, Patricia Francisco, Therese Reyes, Kyra Paronda, Kyra Gabinete, Michaela Co and Drew Datumanong.

"I’m always proud of the team," said Ateneo coach Reynalyn Ranada Ravanes. "They did well and did their very best to win."

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on November 28, 2011.