In the 2016–17 season, Santa Maria started second place, after a win over Verdun in the 2nd round, the club was in the lead until a loss to Juventude on April 14 and became second which would be for the rest of the season. On April 30, the final match of the season, Santa Maria made the highest scoring match in the region, where they defeated Gaviões 1–10. Santa Maria finished with 29 points, two less than Académica do Aeroporto's, the club scored 40 goals, the most in the nation.