Unit 9 and 6 close in on title

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champions Unit 9 and Unit 6 close in on the title in their respective divisions as they continue to enjoy the lead heading into today’s final day of action in the 20th Cebu City Olympics at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The Abellana National School (ANS)-manned Unit 9 stayed on top of the heap in the secondary division with 131.5 points. Unit 5 made a surprising leap to second place with 120 points, while Unit 8 dropped to third with 91 points.

Unfortunately, the ANS booters failed to defend their title in football as they bowed to Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) of Unit 1 in their thrilling championship battle.

DBTC of coach Glenn Ramos fended off the Francis Ramirez-mentored ANS, 2-0, in overtime.

The two protagonists fought on level playing field resulting into a scoreless draw at the end of the regulation period.

In the extension, DBTC’s Miguel Caindec successfully scored at the 88th and 10 minutes later Froilan Gealon converted a striking kick to down the baffled ANS.

Despite the loss, ANS is still on the verge of championship glory with sterling performances in baseball, softball, boxing, badminton and gymnastics.

In the elementary level, Unit 6 is comfortably ahead with 121 points, thanks to Paref-Springdale for clinching the football crown.

Paref-Springdale of coach Mario Ceniza thrashed DBTC, 4-2, in the finals.

Before their CVIRAA stint, the Paref-Springdale booters will represent the Visayas in the 2nd National Milo Little Olympics next week in Cagayan de Oro City.

Unit 8, which took the early lead in the overall standings, fell to second place with 115 points, while Unit 1 elbowed Unit 5 out of the third spot with 92 points. (FREEMAN)