After their 4-0 loss to UST, the Ateneo Lady Booters were pitted against the University of the Philippines in the last game of the first round. This installment of the Battle of Katipunan showed moments of magic as the Lady Booters finally broke their scoring drought.
Despite their efforts, they failed to clinch a win as UP fended off an inspiring performance from the girls in blue, who lost 3-1 last January 29 at the Ateneo High School football field.
The Fighting Maroons got the upper hand early in the first half by scoring within the first twenty minutes. The goal looked to be offside but the linesman failed to acknowledge it, as the Lady Maroon went on to finish one on one against Angelica Tiu.
This proved to be a blow to Ateneo’s confidence, as the Lady Booters failed to find a way through the UP defense the remainder of the period. The first half concluded with a 1-0 score.
At the restart, Ateneo’s newfound confidence produced a favorable result in the 57th minute. Drifting on the left flank, Yvette Gaston received a pass, cut into the right, and dispatched a cross into the box. However, instead of connecting, it arched over the UP goalkeeper and into the back of the net, producing Ateneo’s first goal and the equalizer, tying the game at 1-1.
Despite this, the ladies in maroon quickly provided an answer and took the lead once again just five minutes after, thus pegging the score at 2-1. This did not deter the Ateneo XI, though, as they looked to equalize once more. Efforts from Gaston and Simone Jaldon during the last 20 minutes went wide and over, respectively.
The Lady Booters regretted missing those opportunities when UP midfielder Solis found herself one on one against Tiu and calmly slotted in UP’s third goal. But the girls in blue continued the pressure, as two chances went begging: Milka Romero—who reverted to striker—had her chip go wide and Alessandra Abraham’s free kick hit the crossbar. The latter proved to be the last kick of the match as the referee concluded the match.
In contrast to their previous games, the Lady Booters provided good chances but their finishing just needed a little more. Despite this, with their scoring open, it is easy to say that their season is finally on track.
With the second round of games looming, Romero quoted head coach Bob Manlulo, saying, “For the next round, he wants everyone to play with all their heart and focus—and play as a team, not individually.”
The second round of UAAP Football Season 74 resumes on Sunday, February 5, at the Ateneo High School football field.
