NCAA: Red Lions, Lady Blazers rule the roost

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda dumped Emilio Aguinaldo College, 3-1, Friday to claim another men’s football title even as College of St. Benilde reigned supreme in women’s badminton of NCAA Season 87.

La Salle Green Hills remained untouchable in juniors football, winning its 10th straight crown at the expense of San Beda, 2-0, at the PhilSports pitch in Pasig.

The Lady Blazers leaned on a solid performance from Nikki Therese Servando to blank Emilio Aguinaldo College, 2-0, in the women’s badminton finals at the Powersmash in Makati.

Servando, a first year culinary student, overwhelmed Johanna Rose Aganinta, 21-2, 21-6, to clinch the Most Valuable Player plum.

Coached by Lloyd Escoses with Wilson Frias as his assistant, St. Benilde sealed the championship after Danica Rueda and Bettina Abrahan dumped EAC’s Mikka Molina and Joyce Castro, 21-15, 21-10.

The San Beda romp was led by Francis Sumudivilla, who was named best defender and MVP.

San Beda standout Christopher Pedimonte was also adjudged best midfielder of the tournament.

Matthew Custodio, a freshman, struck in the 13th minute for LSGH, before Anton Celdran, the tournament’s best striker, doubled the lead eight minutes from halftime.

Anchoring the LSGH backline, co-captains Joaquin Atayde and Eugene De Chavez held their ground, frustrating the Red Cubs, while Most Valuable player Jeune Custodio III pulled the strings at midfield, before a knee injury sidelined him after halftime.

The win boosted LSGH in prime position to win the NCAA junior general championship with track and field left to be contested.

The other awardees in the junior division were best goalkeeper Ronilio Bayan Jr. of Arelllano University, best midfielder Roberto Plopinio of San Beda and top scorer Edienzel Mark Vilizano of Perpetual Help.