HOPWOOD and Tanapag middle schools displayed their prowess in the sport of soccer as they earned blowout victories Tuesday in the opening games of the NMIFA-PSS Interscholastic Soccer League at the NMI Soccer Training Center mini-pitch.
Against Saipan International School, Hopwood took over as soon as the ball hit the grass with Mark Costales finding the back of the net in the very first minute.
The SIS Geckos adjusted their defensive strategies to hold their ground, but only for a brief moment as the Hopwood Hilitais delivered two more goals courtesy of Paul Lizama and Costales to lead 3-1 by halftime.
With the Geckos still failing to find their groove in the second half, the Hilatais’ Izaeh Jolo relit his team’s momentum with a goal at the 26th minute while team-mate Tyler Omelau squeezed in a goal of his own just three minutes later.
Lizama rejoined the Hilitai assault with two consecutive goals to complete a hat-trick while team-mates Jimenez Sernante and Ermerson Brillo ended the Geckos’ agony, 10-0.
Tanapag vs MCS
Tanapag Middle School also displayed dominance against Mount Carmel School, 11-3.
The Tatagas found control early in the game and scored seven goals in the first half.
Danilo Bumakod, Nolan Ngewakl and Jayven Camacho led the Tataga run with two goals each while Prince Espiritu also scored to give TMS the lead 7-0.
In the second half, the MCS Knights tried build momentum with Arstin Tagabuel scoring three goals, but TMS replied with four goals to grab the win.
A Tanapag student dribbles forward during an NMIFA-PSS Interscholastic Soccer League game at the NMI Soccer Training Center on Tuesday.
A Hopwood player takes possession against a defender during an NMIFA-PSS Interscholastic Soccer League game at the NMI Soccer Training Center on Tuesday.
