Arellano crushes Perpetual 8-0 in NCAA football

MANILA, Philippines – Last year's runner-up Arellano University smashed Perpetual Help, 8-0, to seize a share of the lead with College of St. Benilde in the 90th NCAA football competition at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Wednesday.

Striker Roberto Corsame, Jr. came through with a hat-trick, including two in the first half when the Chiefs erected a 5-0 lead to pull away and jump to the top with 10 match points on three wins and a draw with the Blazers.

"I'm happy with the win because we executed our game plan to perfection, which is to keep on attacking," said Arellano coach Ravelo Saluria, who steered his school to a pair of runner-up finishes, in Filipino.

Saluria was also all praises on the 17-year-old Corsame, who was hails from Tondo, Manila.

"He's the consistent scorer of this team and I hope he continues his hard work," said Saluria of Corsame.

St. Benilde, for its part, slammed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 5-0, to join Arellano at the helm also with 10 points.

The Lions, whose match against the Lyceum Pirates was called off last Monday due to Tropical Depression "Ruby," fell to second place with just nine points to show.

San Beda, which is seeking a four-peat feat, however, could regain the solo lead if it could beat St. Benilde in a critical duel tomorrow.

Lyceum smashed Mapua, 6-0, in the only other match of the day.