BAGUIO CITY — Manila Southwoods retained its Fil championship after shrugging off the determined challenge of Luisita Thursday at the close of the seniors tournament in the 72^nd Fil-Am Men’s Invitational here.

Both teams produced similar106-point outputs for the day that netted Southwoods a total of 463 points for an 11-point win over its chief rival that added another chapter to their classic rivalry.

 “My rookies delivered,” said Southwoods captain Freddie Mendoza, referring to Jun Plana and Manfred Guangko, who played the seniors event for the first time after being with the regular team for many years.

Plana, who has been in the Fil-Am for around 25 years now, was the top gunner for the Cavite-based squad in all four days.

Yesterday, he ended with a 29 to emerge as the best scorer in Seniors I.

Judd Roy and Raul Muñoza each shot 26 and Gunagko added 25.

Luisita got 29 from Chino Raymundo, 28 from Rodel Mangulabnan, 26 from Benjie Sumulong and 23 from Dan Cruz.

 “Marty (Ilagan) got his baptism of fire as a rookie. We gave it our best and we intend to come back stronger next year,” said non-playing skipper Jeric Hechanova.

The Alpha Phi Omega Golfers (107-379) captured the crown in the Am-Championship over Srixon-IMG (109-374) at the Camp John Hay Golf Club.

Dugong Bughaw (101-372), Manila Southwoods-2 (105-354) and Megafiber (94-353) completed the top 5.