AS THE final whistle sounded, and the scorching sun faded, the scoreboard read, Ateneo 2, De La Salle 0. After two draws, and three losses, the Lady Booters finally won their first game of the season, sending a statement to the rest of the league.

The game had the makings of an upset; David versus Goliath, second place versus last. The ladies in Blue were facing the defending UAAP champions, a team that only lost once in the first round. But, on February 3, the Lady Booters were the ones who walked out with their heads held up high—it was a classic underdog triumph.

Playing on the bigger Erenchun field for the first time this season increased the uncertainty of the game. From the start, both teams struggled to adjust to the extra width, forcing plays through the middle, while leaving large gaps unattended.

The first half featured a ping-pong match of long-balls. Nevertheless, La Salle’s solid back-four maintained a tight hold of their fort, getting the better of Ateneo. Ateneo had a barrage of undirected clearances, and continually resorted to their left wing, which waned at the pressure of the pressing Lady Archer defense.

Versatile Lady Archer, Sam Nierras, dictated the pace, holding the defense at midfield and feeding strikers with dangerous through balls. But despite La Salle’s overall dominance, the score remained nil-all at the end of the half.

In the second half the Lady Booters turned the tables on their archrivals. Monica Santos seized control, diverting the Lady Booters’ offensive focus from the left wing to the right.

Her link up play with the speedy Erika Casas threatened La Salle’s clean sheet. Casas’ constant pressure and relentless runs deep into Green territory shifted the momentum. Soon the Lady Booters found themselves spending lengthened periods attacking, forcing one corner kick after another.

At the third consecutive corner, Santos’ dangerous cross, bounced at the helm of the La Salle goal. With a flock of blue swarming to score, La Salle struggled to clear, but, rookie stalwart Maan Cadayona struck gold with a strike through the legs of the staggered defenders; Ateneo led 1-0.

The goal put the Lady Booters into a higher gear, and just minutes later, predator Cess Trinidad broke through the offside trap, sprinting after her own header. It was four on one with the lone striker edging towards the goal; but for the second time, in as many games, Trinidad was brought down in the penalty box, this time by Niky Scott. Ateneo was awarded a penalty and converted. Disgruntled Lady Archer, Maria Formoso was penalized with a yellow card after excessive complaining regarding the awarded penalty.

A disarrayed La Salle squad hastily attempted to get on the scoreboard. Formoso led the charge, sending long balls and even attempting to make a solo run at the goal. However, all attempts were futile, and the Ateneo Lady Booters rose as victors of the match.

The Lady Booters look to build on this win, against UST, on February 13, 3PM, at the Ocampo Field.