COMPETING under the theme “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan,” the SBCA Girls’ Futsal Team represented NCR and proudly clinched 4th place in the 65th Palarong Pambansa, held in Ilocos Norte from May 24 to 31, 2025. 

Path to the Podium

     In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Shanile T. Marqueses (12-ABM) shared the team’s journey while recalling key moments during the national tournament. “I believe we achieved 4th place at the Palarong Pambansa because of our dedication, discipline, and love for the sport,” Marqueses said.

     SBCA opened their campaign with solid performances in the elimination round, securing two wins and one draw. They beat SOCCSKSARGEN with a score of 1-0, Davao Region with 3-1, and drew against Pangasinan with a score of 1-1. This strong start landed them a spot in the quarterfinals, where they defeated MIMAROPA with a 4-0 win.

     The semifinal proved to be a challenging match as SBCA fell short with a 1-3 score against the Western Visayas squad. Battling for fourth place, they again faced Davao in a high-pressure rematch. Despite their efforts, SBCA narrowly lost with a 0-1 score, but still stood proudly as the fourth-best team in the country. “Finishing 4th  in the entire country is something we’re proud of. We really gave it our all,” Marqueses said.

Keys to Success 

      For Marqueses, the team’s success was built not just on skill but on a strong foundation of discipline and unity. “From training to our sleeping and eating habits, we were very organized and committed to staying consistent as a group,” she said. 

     Daily adjustments, learning from mistakes, and staying mentally tough throughout the tournament helped the team maintain a competitive edge. Their mindset played a crucial role, especially in high-stakes matches where pressure was intense and expectations were even higher. “Having the right attitude really helped us stay focused and motivated, especially when things got tough,” Marqueses added. 

More than a Match

     While facing Davao, the defending champions, the Red Lions experienced one of their toughest matches, both physically and mentally. Despite this, they still showed their unwavering commitment and passion for the game, which strengthened them in the face of pressure.

     For the SBCA Girls Fustal Team, the Palarong Pambansa served as a platform for shaping young Filipino athletes not just in skill, but in character. More than anything, it was a space where athletes learned to carry themselves with humility in victory and grace in defeat.