Fresh off an amazing comeback win from 5-9 to 12-9 versus the Corinthian Gardeners, defending NY League champs DUO was gunning for another win against Bueno, whom they shut out last league. Equally matched with high morale from a well played game against the Love Handlers, Super Bueno, came into the game also hungry for the win, dreading the thought of getting relegated to Pool C (and of course for bragging rights against an elite team like DUO). A quick point that opened the game for Bueno (scored by Barbara Benesa) was immediately answered back by quick passes and a score from DUO. This went on most of the way, and everybody on the field knew this game was going the distance.
Akin to a Pool A game, crisp passes, tight defense and relentless hunger for the disc was present all throughout the arduous match. The Bueno handlers and their quick handler weaves through the Duo defense was indeed a pretty sight. The game went back and forth most of the way, neither team leading more than a couple of points. In the crossfire between Bueno and DUO that led to a sudden death 11-11 at hard cap, a small audience was wowed by Bueno’s unheralded players; even Team Philippine’s own Christian Guerrero (ranked 3rd best Ultimate player in Asia) commented “nice read” after a long lofty pass was caught by rising star Isaiah 'Keo' Ramos.
At sudden death, a team had a to live in the moment. Everything that conspired during the game prior to the deadlock did not matter in this must-score situation. The odds were against Bueno, but in the 12 seconds after Bueno pulled the disc on defense, BUENO DECIDED TO FLIP THE SWITCH. Anton Campos, made the picture perfect layout defense (full extension, precise timing and pin point hand eye coordination) and stopped DUO’s attempt of a second pass. Back in Bueno’s possession, the disc moved via a quick one-two pass between Miggy V to Benny Lim. As Benny Lim made a backhand floater to the back of the endzone to Keo Ramos, the Bueno bench clenched their derrières and watched in agony as the disc floated to an unknown fate. The torment in Bueno’s eyes as the disc spun and found its way into the long arms of Keo Ramos, immediately dissipated. In a split second after the amazing catch that left Keo sprawled stomach first on the grass, the Bueno bench ran in celebration towards the end zone. Bueno did it, against all odds. Bueno defeated DUO, 12-11, Universal Point.