COMPETING at the home court brought out the best in the SBCA Women’s Futsal team during their NCAA South Season 26 campaign with a strong 2nd-runner-up finish. Playing in the home court ignited their team spirit and unity, as they proudly embodied the true Bedan grit and determination.

A Minor Setback

     Starting the NCAA South Season 26 campaign on their home court, the Red Lions felt a mental and physical boost from the supportive atmosphere. The team started their opening match with a valiant effort but narrowly fell short in a tightly contested 1–0 match against the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna (UPHSL). With neither side willing to concede ground, the first goal proved crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the match. It wasn’t long before UPHSL’s #12 finally broke the deadlock. Despite losing in the first match, the team’s spirit remained unshaken. 

     After their first game, THE BEDAN HERALD interviewed the SBCA Women’s Futsal coach, Aristotle Santos, in which he shared his sentiments regarding the first game and the performance of the team. “Kaya naman eh, nagkaroon lang ng error kaya sila na-scorean. Pero kaya naman, close game and kita naman sa gameplay eh. Kayang-kaya, need lang mag-adjust.” he shared.

Blazing a Path
     To the Red Lions, that first loss was merely a setback in their path to victory in the tournament. SBCA faced EAC in a rematch that would determine one of the finalists of the series. However, a sole goal was what determined the victor—this time in EAC’s favor. Despite being denied their hopes of a championship, the girls were hungry and refused to bow out of the competition. This time, their eyes shifted to a “Battle for Third” against DLSL, and with a single goal sealing the deal once again, SBCA closed their campaign with a podium standing, securing 2nd runner-up in the overall standings. 

Rooted in Bedan Pride

     The Red Lions, even after the hurdle at the beginning of the series, stood and fought against their opponents in the following series of matches, eventually bringing home an overall 2nd-runner-up win back to the Lion’s Den. 

     The teamwork established by home support boosted their performance and strengthened their connection to one another, demonstrating that the Bedan community's spirit had a significant role in the team's triumph and podium finish.