By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Defending champion State University of Northern Negros (SUNN) closed its Philippine University Games (Unigames) campaign on a high note, clinching third place in the women’s futsal competition after a 3-2 victory over Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Bacolod City.

Alija Antonette Lacson spearheaded SUNN’s attack with two goals as the Negrenses replicated their triumph over the same PUP squad, whom they defeated in last year’s championship match.

The win allowed SUNN to retain its spot on the podium despite being dethroned this season.

Meanwhile, Holy Cross of Davao College captured the women’s futsal crown after outplaying the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu, 4-2, in the finals.

Holy Cross established control early, with Calabio striking twice in the 12th and 16th minutes following an opening goal in the 9th to put the Davao booters firmly ahead before halftime.

UP-Cebu mounted a brief rally with goals in the 25th and 26th minutes, but Holy Cross quickly responded with its fourth goal a minute later to secure the title.

In the semifinals, UP edged SUNN, 3-2, while Holy Cross dominated PUP, 3-1, to arrange their championship showdown./ASC, WDJ