Benavente Middle School wins 17th edition of Sugar and Spice Festival

[January 18, 2026 – Harmon, Guam] The Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School Road Runners are back to the winner’s podium after a 2-0 victory over the Cmdr. William C. McCool Elementary & Middle School Seahawks in the championship match of the 17th Annual Sugar & Spice Girls Middle School Festival at the Guam Football Association National Training Center Saturday.

Sadie Verango and Rhianne Nartia were credited with the festival-winning goals in the 2026 final.

“It feels amazing,” said Rhianne Nartia. This is just the start of the (ISA Middle School Girls Soccer) season, so this was like a practice for us to grow more.”

Coach Monique “Momo” Quintanilla also expressed her joy in the team’s win. “I’m honestly really proud of the girls, Quintanilla said. “They’ve worked so hard. Every practice they come out, they put their whole hundred percent – their undivided attention to each practice, each drill that we go through. They’re all unique in their own ways, by their character, or the skills they have and bring. I’m just really proud of them.”

This year’s win marks the Roadrunners’ championship return as they previously claimed the title in both 2019 and 2020. The Sugar & Spice Girls Middle School festival, supported by Japan Football Association, features close to 300 players and coaches in a day-long festival of matches. Each participating team played at least three matches in the group stage. The top teams from each of the four groups advanced to the festival playoffs to determine the champions.

After the championship match, GFA Executive Committee member and chairperson of the GFA Women’s Football Committee, Kelley Barnhart and GFA Women’s Football Committee member, Aileen Artero presented the top two teams with trophies and medals. The McCool Seahawks were presented with silver medals and the second place trophy followed by the BMS Roadrunners with gold medals and the Champions trophy.

FIFA Talent Coach Ryan Lazaroe speaks with players during the 17th Annual Sugar and Spice Middle School Girls Festival Jan. 17 at the Guam Football Association National Training Center. Lazaroe was promoting upcoming U13 and U15 Guam National Academy Trials. Photo by Samantha Bautista / GFA

During the festival, FIFA Talent Coach Ryan Lazaroe watched matches and also personally met with players, coaches, and parents to share information about the upcoming GFA National Academy Trial Sessions for players in the U15 and U13 age divisions. Interested players are encouraged to register this upcoming trial session happening later this month.

The U15 age division trial sessions for both boys and girls will be held on Jan. 26 and Jan. 28. The U13 age division trial sessions for both boys and girls will be on Jan. 27 and Jan. 29. Participants must attend at least one tryout date, however are strongly encouraged to attend both tryout dates.
The registration links for the trial sessions are:

• U13 Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/GFAJotforms/GFA-U13Trials

• U15 Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/GFAJotforms/GFA-U15Trials

Guam Department of Agriculture DAWR Conservation Officers also featured a tent and information about the launch of Ginen I Halom Tåno, a program that trains beginner and youth hunters to cull pigs and process meat for the community. The Guam Department of Agriculture DAWR also has partnered with the GFA Football for Schools program and GFA mascots Tasi and Tano in an effort to increase awareness about protecting Guam and its natural resources.

For more information about the Ginen I Halom Tåno program, visit https://www.gusustainable.org/blog/ginenihalomtano2