KINGSTON, Jamaica — Renias Academy successfully defended the ISSA Construction Wynlee Sportswear Reinas Cup, beating Los Perfectos 3-0 on penalties after battling to a 2-2 draw in regulation time at Buttercup Park in Mona on Saturday.

Renias Academy came from two goals down and showed their championship mettle to secure their third consecutive title in the Under-20 female ISSA Construction Wynlee Sportswear Reinas Cup.

The Manchester-based Los Perfectos surprised the champions by racing into a two-goal lead courtesy of goals by Danischa Rattray in the 46th and Schenelle Walters in the 54th.

This awoke Renias, who responded like true champions, scoring two goals in two minutes to pull level. Olivia Ashbourne latched onto a pass from the tournament’s MVP Alexia Evans and scored in the 71st minute, then Shanae Ashley pulled them level in the 72nd minute.

With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed to a penalty shootout. Renias Academy held their nerve, converting all three attempts through Ashbourne, Evans and Kharisma McLean.

Los Perfectos, meanwhile, struggled from the spot, with Walters, Kyra Grant and Teishelle Cassanova all failing to convert. Renias’ goalkeeper Anastasia Green made a crucial save to deny Walters, while Grant and Cassanova saw their efforts hit the woodwork.

Organiser of the tournament and coach of Reinas Academy, Neo Oxford, said he is pleased with where the tournament has reached after five years.

“Look around today, listen to the horns and clapping, look at the football, both technically and tactically sound and also seeing six girls from this year’s tournament set to leave this month on scholarship. Female football is winning in Jamaica, bigger and better to come,” he emphasised.

READ: Fireworks anticipated as Reinas Academy face Los Perfectos in cup finale