[reprint] UPMIN TEAMS RULE BLUE BIRD CUP 2024
Sun.Star Davao 24 May 2024 BY MARIANNE L. SABERON ABALAYAN

THE University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) dominated the Blue Bird Cup 2024, clinching championships in both the men's and women's open divisions at the UP Mindanao Admin Field.

The UPMin Men's Football Varsity Team clinched the men's title by defeating the Aces Football Club, 1-0, behind the goal of Paul Vincent Elises, who was also named the most valuable player (MVP). Teammates Cefie Gabisan and Dadel Oyao were honored as the best midfielder and best defender, respectively.

The other special awardees were Aces FC's Clobert Bastasa (best striker) and Virgil (best goalkeeper).

Aces FC was runner-up while Impeesa FC placed third.

In the women's open division, the UPMin Women's Football Varsity Team A prevailed over the Lady Knights FC, 1-0, in their title showdown. Andrea Alvior netted the winning goal for UPMin's WFVT-A. UPMin's Moira Isabella Calizo was named MVP, while Paula Elises, Thea Libre, and Jazmine Masola were recognized as the best midfielder, best defender, and best goalkeeper, respectively. Isabelle Taojo of the Lady Knights FC received the best striker award.

In the Under-10 boys category, Aces FC A claimed the title, followed by Rovers FC in second place and Aces FC B in third. Special awards went to Calex Bastas (MVP), Kaiser Quindao (best striker), JC Peñaranda (best midfielder), Jose Ervi Catbagan (best goalkeeper) of Aces FC A, and Leradz Bation of Rovers FC A (best defender).

The U18 boys event saw the Davao Strikers take the title over Bukas Palad, with Sakya FC finishing third. Lebron Pinion was named MVP, with Prince Baculot, Anthony Portillo, Rexor Aruyla, and Johnwey Camaria receiving awards for best striker, best midfielder, best defender, and best goalkeeper, respectively.

Meanwhile, Bukas Palad emerged as the champion in the U18 girls category over the Davao City National High School (DCNHS), who claimed the second spot, while MIFC secured third. Bukas Palad's Mary Glory Sol Alvero (MVP), Lianne Mirador (best midfielder), and Mykylla Piañar (best goalkeeper) were honored along with DCNHS' Akeasia Xonia Abad (best striker) and Elizabeth Gamat (best defender).

MIFC won the U14 boys title at the expense of Aces FC, who finished second, with the Davao Strikers placing third. The awardees included MVP Aaron John G. Simpas (MIFC), best striker Aaron John G. Simpas (MIFC), best midfielder Cholo Jerico Solano (Aces FC), best defender Santino Suyman (Aces FC), and best goalkeeper Rendel Ralph Wayong (MIFC).

Article Name: UPMIN TEAMS RULE BLUE BIRD CUP 2024
Publication: Sun.Star Davao
Author: BY MARIANNE L. SABERON ABALAYAN

Source: https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/sunstar-davao/20240524/281663965126796