Kier Napolitano’s first-half goal powered National University to a 1-0 win over De La Salle-Zobel to vault on top of the table Sunday in the UAAP Season 81 juniors football tournament at the FEU-Diliman pitch.
Napolitano scored his third goal of the season in the 17th minute to help the Bullpups open their second round campaign by getting their third win, while keeping the Junior Archers winless.
With 11 points, NU is one clear of defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman, which drew an opening second-round bye.
In the other match, Ateneo and University of Santo Tomas battled to a 1-1 standoff to share points.
Jethro Noel Paraso struck in the 78th minute for the Blue Eaglets before the Tiger Cubs equalized five minutes later courtesy of Kyler Ken Escobar.
Ateneo moved up to eight points in third place, while UST now has four points.