The Ateneo Lady Eagles defeated the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons, 3-1, in the season-opening University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Women’s Football fixture on February 3, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. The Ateneo Women’s Football Team (AWFT) scored through rookie Icee Calimbo, Martie Bautista, and Tessa Bernardo while UP put a goal on the board through Eloi Malmis.

The first fixture of the tournament saw Katipunan rivals Ateneo and UP renew their rivalry on the pitch through a high octane match, with both sides crafting chances early on in the game. Calimbo was the first to get on the scoresheet after whipping in a free kick and beating the UP goalkeeper Vanessa Estrada in the 12th minute.

24′ – GOAL! Bautista powers her way through the UP defense and scores off the post. #UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/U5AR6P9oiI

— Chino Reyes (@Chino_TheGUIDON) February 3, 2018

In the 24th minute, forward Bautista and midfielder Pam Diaz both missed chances before Bautista doubled Ateneo’s lead after a passionate burst through the Lady Maroons’ defense and a composed finish.

24′ – GOAL! Bautista powers her way through the UP defense and scores off the post. #UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/U5AR6P9oiI

— Chino Reyes (@Chino_TheGUIDON) February 3, 2018

Bautista and Diaz then combined for another clear chance on goal, but a slightly heavy touch from the forward saw her squander a golden opportunity. Ateneo led at half-time, 2-0.

Bautista and Bernardo started the second half strongly, crafting two good opportunities, but UP’s defense managed to block both shots on goal.

A long spell of Ateneo possession followed, but UP looked dangerous on the counter-attack. While Ateneo goalkeeper Mariane Caparros stopped a number of threatening UP attacks, she was beaten through a curling effort from Lady Maroon Maria Eloisa Malmis from outside the box in the 80th minute.

However, UP’s celebrations were cut short after Bernardo restored the Lady Eagles’ lead straight after the restart. The Blue and White then put in a strong defensive display to maintain their advantage and claim a valuable three points from their first match in the UAAP.

With a fixture against University of Santo Tomas (UST) just on the horizon, AWFT Coach Jaypee Merida said that the team will need to continue working. “Kailangan natin mag-prepare again. It’s another tough game kasi they played last year sa [UAAP] finals. We need to work but meron naman kaming six days to work before UST.”

The Lady Eagles will face off against the UST Golden Tigresses on February 10, 9:00 AM, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Ateneo Starting XI: Caparros [GK], Cabrera, Calimbo, Villaflor, Bugayong, Panganiban, Amoncio [C], Diaz, Catedrilla, Bautista, Bernardo

Ateneo Substitutes: 87′ – Ferrer for Panganiban