Hawks Fight Back: Boys Seal Dramatic Win as Lady Hawks Claim Top Spot

Two goals down, level twice, and finally ahead through a late Gustavo Bahia (19) free kick. The Hawks’ 4-3 victory over EAR (Escola Americana de Recife) delivered a thrilling finish to a demanding day at the AASB Tournament, while the Lady Hawks earned their own reward on the basketball court: first place in their group and a place in the first division.

The morning began with a statement from the Lady Hawks, although Sant’Anna had the better start. EABH trailed 7-1 after the first quarter, leaving the girls with work to do.

Their answer was assertive. The Lady Hawks overturned the difference in the second quarter, took command, and powered toward a 30-13 victory. Carol Bonato (14) helped drive the turnaround with an impressive scoring performance that earned her Player of the Match honors. Summer (17) made her opportunities count at the free-throw line, adding important points as EABH established its lead.

By the third quarter, the Lady Hawks were executing their practiced plays with confidence. Laura Calixto (12) attacked the basket decisively and stole possession, while Addie’s (8) repeated drives forced the opponent to foul, creating further scoring chances from the line. Alongside her aggressive playstyle, Addie demonstrated sportsmanship throughout the contest.

But the foundation of the win was EABH’s defense. After scoring seven points in the opening quarter, our competition managed just six across the rest of the game.

Gabi Muzzi (2) helped keep the team organized as tiredness set in, providing leadership alongside her defensive contributions. Helena Dias (9) strengthened the defensive effort, and Ester (15) helped at both ends, defending well and handling the ball to organize the offense. The Lady Hawks gave Sant’Anna little room to build momentum.

Mafe Vallerini’s (7) return added another welcome moment. Making her first appearance since a serious knee injury, she competed bravely and aggressively despite being unable to practice during her recovery. Her contribution strengthened a team performance that produced both a convincing win and a valuable 17-point margin, which would prove important before the day was over.

The boys’ morning assignment against Escola Americana de Brasília brought a tougher result. EABH started brightly and created opportunities against a strong opponent, but two goals conceded interrupted that promising opening of a complicated match, which ended 4-1 to EAB.

The Hawks nevertheless gave the opposing goalkeeper work to do. In the end of the match, their goal began with Filipe Duarte’s (13) delivery into the box. Felipe Cambraia (6) struck the post, and Chase (4) reacted to finish the rebound. Soon afterward, Rafael Tinti (10) won possession near the edge of the area and forced a save, while Duarte threatened again with a header from a corner that the goalkeeper palmed away.

Duarte’s presence was encouraging after his injury earlier in the tournament. Felipe Wanderley (2) also earned recognition at the back, making important interceptions and providing cover through a demanding match.

The afternoon gave EABH an opportunity to respond against EAR. It also handed the Hawks another difficult opening: a penalty and a goal from a corner put them 2-0 behind.

EABH refused to let the match get away.

Luigi Albuquerque (8) started the comeback with a powerful low shot from outside the penalty area, finding the corner to cut EAR’s advantage. Henrique Saquetto (12) then crossed into the box, where Rafael finished to bring the Hawks level before halftime. Two goals had restored EABH’s position in the contest, and the team went into the break with the comeback firmly underway.

After an excellent first half, goalkeeper Massi made way for Saulo Wanderley (16) who produced excellent saves and gave the Hawks a reliable presence at the back. His distribution was equally impressive, with powerful goal kicks sending the ball deep into opposition territory and helping EABH launch attacks. 

There was more work ahead. The opponent regained the lead with a strike from distance, forcing the Hawks to chase an equalizer once again. Rafael delivered it. His free kick struck the post, but he followed the rebound and scored his second goal of the match.

Three goals apiece, and EABH was still coming.

Heitor Campos (14) made a strong contribution at right back, anticipating passes and intercepting the ball to help the Hawks regain possession. With the match finely balanced, those interventions supported EABH’s efforts to push forward. An injury then forced EAR’s goalkeeper off, leaving a reserve outfield player to take over in goal. The Hawks increased their shooting pressure, looking to test the replacement and find the breakthrough.

Late in the game, Gustavo Bahia (19) stepped up for a free kick and delivered the decisive strike. His finish put EABH ahead for the first time, completing a remarkable turnaround from the early two-goal deficit.

Chase’s dismissal following a late discussion added tension to the closing stages, but the Hawks secured the 4-3 victory. After a difficult morning, they had earned a result built on persistence, with Luigi opening the way, Rafael twice restoring parity, and Gustavo Bahia supplying the winner.

Meanwhile, the Lady Hawks were battling through a much tighter afternoon game. The contest remained evenly matched, with EABH staying within reach until the final seconds. Laura Calixto created a late opportunity to tie the score, but the girls ultimately fell just short, 19-17.

The narrow defeat did not take away what they had earned. Thanks to their strong performances and low number of points conceded, the Lady Hawks finished first in their group and advanced to the first division. The defensive discipline behind their morning win had made a decisive contribution.

For EABH, the day ended with a hard-fought soccer victory and a basketball team advancing at the top of its group: two well-earned reasons for the Hawks to look ahead with confidence. Go Hawks!