Ateneo rules Dacs football

AFTER over a decade of chasing the title, the Ateneo de Davao University (Addu) Blue Knights at last clinched the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (Dacs) men's football crown yesterday at St. Mary's College of Tagum (SMCT).

The Blue Knights defeated SMCT, 4-2, via penalty shootout after both teams drew, 2-2, at the end of regulation.

Team captain Jonathan Lim, Emman Collado, Rick Inting and Harry Barnett scored Ateneo's goals.

"The game was really tough because SMCT were very physical and the huge crowd was in their favor with all the cheers and jeers," Lim said in a Facebook interview with Sun.Star Davao.

He added that they stayed composed as the environment was really hostile.

"But we didn't let it get into our heads," Lim said, adding that their training like waking up for 4 a.m. practice since summer paid off.

Blue Knights head coach Celina Simone Jaldon, meanwhile, felt proud of her coaching debut.

"Proud of you and the hard work you put in each game, despite the tough environment and other factors outside our control. We were given this chance to learn from our experience in Tagum and apply what we learn so we can continue to improve in every training and game. Wouldn't have chosen any other team to be with, Thank you guys," the neophyte coach said in a message to her team.

The Blue Knights were also composed of Kevin Lam, Glean Lumabao, Satrio Santoso, Carlos Tagudin, Leander Varquez, Tadashi Amarillento, Mark Comision, Greg Andagm, Patrick Narca, Lyle Navarro and Nico Arapa with assistant coach James Batucan and David Daryanani.