Four soccer teams into semifinals

JAKARTA (JP): Four women's soccer teams -- Buana Putri, the State University of Jakarta (UNJ), Putri Belitung and Putri Priangan -- went through to the semifinals of the 2001 Women's Soccer Invitational here on Wednesday.

Jakarta-based Buana Putri, which consists mostly of veteran players, won Group A with its 3-1 victory over Putri Belitung of Belitung at AS-IOP Senayan soccer field at the Bung Karno Sports Complex here. Putri Jatim of East Java overcame Putri Mataram of Yogyakarta 2-1 in other action on Wednesday.

Buana Putri collected nine points with three wins, while Putri Belitung, Putri Mataram and Putri Jatim each had three points with one win and two losses. Putri Belitung advanced to the semifinals on goal differential.

UNJ beat Bangka Putri 2-0 at nearby Madya Stadium, making it the Group I champion. Putri Priangan of West Java outplayed Putri Mojolaban of Central Java 4-1 to earn its semifinal berth.

UNJ collected seven points from two wins and a draw, and Putri Priangan earned five points from one win and two draws.

The 30-year-old Yakso Bukor Piopen was the top goal scorer in the preliminary round with 12 goals in three matches.

On Friday, Putri Belitung will face UNJ and Buana Putri will play Putri Belitung at AS-IOP soccer field. (ivy)