Dumaguete: UP Sinag ruled the 7th Pinay in Action (PIA) Cup 9v9 football tournament after beating UP Alon, 3-0, at Gov. Mariano Perdices Memorial Coliseum in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
According to Philippines News Agency, Futboleras FC secured third place in the three-day, 20-team event that concluded on Sunday. UP Sinag's Hannah Marie Muros was honored as the Most Valuable Player, while her teammates Julian Arrojado and Florence Ycong were recognized as the Best Goalkeeper and Best Defender, respectively.
UP Alon also garnered individual accolades with Kylle Franklyn Moreno named Best Midfielder and Aurea Collenn Reaso taking the title of Best Striker. The Pamplona de Pontevedra Football Club was awarded for Fair Play. The tournament was organized in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission, the provincial government, Negros Oriental State University, and the Negros Oriental-Siquijor Regional Football Association.
The 9v9 football format serves as a transitional and small-sided game designed to enhance players' tactical awareness and spatial understanding, providing preparation for the traditional 11v11 game.
