Negros Occidental FA emerged from its shell yesterday to trounce Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental, 4-1, and keep its semifinal hopes alive in the PFF National Women's Open Football Championships in Dumaguete City.

Silay City-born striker Darlene Divinagracia scored twice at the Foundation University pitch as the NOFA lady booters rebounded from a humiliating 8-0 setback at the hands of title favorite NCR Monday.

"The team ran out of steam against a more experienced NCR team maybe because it lacked preparation. But I'm happy the players were able to play true to form today," said NOFA coach Ronnie Tornilla, whose squad is sponsored by 2Go-Aboitiz and supported by Dynamic Builders Inc. Diaz scored on a breakaway in the 4th minute with a deft finish from close range. She doubled the lead three minutes into the second half when she pounced on a goal-mouth scramble inside the box.

Michelle Cuenca, a player from the University of St. La Salle, joined the scoring bandwagon in the 73rd minute with a low right-footed shot just outside the box, before Elna Puro pulled a goal back for CMOFA three minutes later. Marian Ronquillo, who hails from Ma-ao, Bago City, completed the scoring for NOFA in the 90th minute with a right-footed shot inside the box.

With the threat of elimination looming, Tornilla expressed optimism that his side will be able to hurdle Iloilo at 8 a.m. today and hope that they may be able to secure the wildcard berth for the semis.

"The problem is we don't have total control of our fate. The results in the other bracket is also important for us," Tornilla, a former national team standout, added.

NCR is expected to clinch top Group B honors when it meets CMOFA today. An NCR victory will leave Negros targeting the last semifinal berth intended for the second-ranked group team with the best record.

In Group A, defending champion Davao meets Oriental Negros with the winner clinching a semifinal slot. Crucial matches are also set in Group C as bracket leader Negros Oriental tackles Iligan and Cebu facing a must-win situation against winless Sultan Kudarat. *CPT

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