By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The elementary booters from Assumption Iloilo are ready for the tough competition ahead after a close win against the PAREF Westbridge school, 3-2, during the championship match of the 2023 ILOPRISAA.
Assumption’s team captain Gab Peñaredondo stepped up when his team needed him the most after scoring a brace in the tightly-contested gold medal showdown.
The Ilonggo skipper drew first blood with only six minutes into the match after a thundering goal inside the penalty box area.
Despite a game-tying conversion from Westbridge 29 minutes after Assumption’s goal, Peñaredondo came to the rescue once again after cashing in the penalty goal when a handball was whistled by the referees.
The action became more physical in the second half of the championship match as both squads ramped up their defensive intensity with Assumption not allowing Westbridge to equalize the game again.
However, Westbridge got an early advantage when a penalty was rewarded. During the 61st minute, the green and white nation restored order after converting the free ball.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair in the last 30 minutes of action as both schools traded attempts but it was Assumption who got the last laugh when their midfielder scored their game-sealing goal that put Westbridge away for good.
Backstopping team captain Peñaredondo during the momentum-boosting victory was Aiden Lee who provided the cold-blooded conversion that put them ahead, 3-2.
Completing the championship lineup of Assumption are Xavi Amular, Kris Thomas Bomban, Che Rabbie Nain, Anton Almonte, Jaeb Dignadice, Shawn De Pedro, Lestat Maridable, Karl De la Cruz, Dame Cameros, Enrique Hipolito IV, Uldrie Barrera, Bueno Gonzalez, Oreo Jandonero, Niño Acebedo, Marcus Aguenido, and Ziggy Garverza.
The 2023 ILORPISAA elementary football kings were mentored by the duo of Lucky Consing and Roderick Suñer.
