CIS belles, Don Bosco XI glitter in Thirsty bootfest

Cebu International School and Don Bosco College kicked off the new year with resounding triumphs in their respective divisions in the 3rd Thirsty Football Cup yesterday at the Sacred Heart School-Jesuit field in Ayala Business Park.

The CIS Pink Ladies combined beauty and skills to outpoint Foundation University of Dumaguete City via shootout, 1-0, for the girls 17-under crown, while Don Bosco survived a spine-chilling encounter, beating the stubborn San Roque Football Club, 3-2, also via shootout to win the Players 8 crown in Group C.

Georgia Guidecelli, sister of karter-turned-model Matteo Guidecelli, scored the game-winning goal for the USC Pink Ladies, but it was Mara Reina who bagged the coveted MVP honors for her all-around brilliance.

The CIS Pink Ladies of coach Rhodora Toledo earlier fought to a 2-all draw with Kirsten, but that was all it needed to barge into the final round of the tournament following seven-aside format.

On the other hand, DBC'Jake Allen Vicen performed his goal-keeping duties with finesse on the way to bagging the MVP honors.

SRFC drew first blood in the penalty shootout, but DBC's Christian Kerr Agot quickly drilled in the equalizer at 1-all.

Vicen kept his team alive when he staved off SRFC's chance to get even as the whole DBC crowd erupted into frenzied celebration when Kenneth Chi struck the Bosconians' second goal.

SRFC, however, gallantly fought back to even the count at 2-all.

Don Bosco proved to be steadier with Rystian Von Yuson converting his attempt to put back the Bosconians in front, 3-2.

SRFC still had a chance to tie the score, but was rebuffed by Vicen's quick hands.

Action resumes today at the same venue featuring the men's open, ladies, 35-and-above, and Players 10 categories.