The Philippine Football Federation-National Women's Open Football Championships kick off today with five matches at the Silliman University and Foundation University football fields.

Host Negros Oriental FA battles newcomer Sultan Kudarat shortly after the 1:30 p.m. opening ceremonies to be attended by PFF president Juan Miguel Romualdez at the SU pitch. Iloilo and Cagayan-Misamis Oriental collide in Group B at 8 a.m. at the SU pitch, before last year's losing finalist, Cebu, tackles Iligan at 10 a.m.

Over at the FU field, Negros Occidental FA battles favorite National Capital Region at 10 a.m., after the Davao-Zamboanga Group A clash at 8 a.m.

Diminutive striker Edna Agravante, the reigning PFF women's player of the year, who saw action in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, is expected to be at the forefront of the NCR attack along with midfielder Maria Clarissa Lazaro.

Two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Stephanie Peasant of De La Salle University will anchor the defensive line of the NCR women booters, mentored by Hans Smit.

Reigning titlist Davao, on the other hand, boasts of SEA Games campaigner Merlo Albano and national team member Rachele de los Reyes.

The week-long tournament is organized by the NORFA in cooperation with the Province of Oriental Negros, Dumaguete City, Silliman University and Foundation University. *CPT

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