AFTER HEAVY rains forced an unfortunate cancellation of the Ateneo Lady Booters’ initial match against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Booters last December 16, where they led 2-0, the Katipunan-based squad returned to claim the win that would have been theirs if not for the heavy rain. But instead, the awaited rematch concluded in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss last January 13, Sunday, at the Ocampo Field.
On the 9-minute mark, the first on-target attempt was from a forward cross by rookie Camille Rodriguez to veteran Cess Trinidad. Trinidad was able to bring the ball within the vicinity of the goalie’s box, but UST goalkeeper Nonato caught her shot.
A minute later, the ball went flying toward Trinidad, thus she fired another powerful kick but the ball flew wide and went out of bounds.
Waves of attacks came from the UST players, eventually bringing the ball to UST forward Clemente. Clemente immediately shot the ball over Ateneo goal keeper Gely Tiu and right into the top right corner of the net at the 15-minute mark that gave UST the 1-0 lead.
UST continued to dominate early in the first half. However, at the 24th minute, a cross from Rodriguez to Trinidad almost ensured Ateneo’s first goal, though a collision with Nonato denied Ateneo the scoring opportunity.
A persistent Ateneo squad pressed the UST defensive line and by the 29-minute mark, they almost scored again. It was a wonderful combination passing from veteran Cecile Dayrit to Trinidad then to junior Milka Romero in the middle. Romero took a shot in front of the goal, but it was saved.
On the 36th minute, a careless maneuver brought the ball to UST captain Regalado who kicked the ball toward the left bottom corner of the goal. The shot was blocked by Tiu but was caught by Clemente. She immediately took the shot, and the ball went in the bottom right corner of the Ateneo goal, securing UST’s second goal.
The first half ended with a score of 2-0 in favor of UST.
Better passing was evident when the ladies in blue and white returned to the field for the second half. Another notable attempt on the 57th minute came when Ateneo winger Aina Martin took an opportune attempt in front of the UST goal. Unfortunately, the shot went over and missed the goal by a margin.
Two minutes later, Ateneo’s last man, Leah Cruz, held the ball too long. This resulted in the ball being intercepted by UST’s Regalado. As Regalado approached the Ateneo goal but Tiu dove forward and saved the ball.
Within the next 37 minutes, both squads went at it, UST seeking to up the score and Ateneo trying to get themselves back in the game. The Ateneo squad seemed to be losing confidence and stamina, but near the 86th minute, a corner kick by Martin went straight to Romero. Romero slightly tapped the ball and with a powerful header from Trinidad, the Lady Booters finally scored.
After that triumphant goal, UST still did not back down thus the game ended, 2-1, in favor of the UST. This loss brings Ateneo down from first to second in their division.
The Ateneo Lady Booters’ first game of the second round will be against the University of the Philippines on January 16, Wednesday, 1:00 PM at the Ocampo Field.
Women’s football first round statistics:
UAAP Season 75 First round Team Rankings (Point system):
1. Far Eastern University (FEU)
– 8 pts (2 wins, 2 draws)
*Goal difference = +6
2. Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)
– 7 pts (2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss)
*Goal difference = +3
3. University of Sto. Tomas (UST)
– 7 pts (2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss)
*Goal difference = +1
4. De La Salle University (DLSU)
– 3 pts (3 draws, 1 loss)
*Goal difference = -2
5. University of the Philippines (UP)
– 1 pts (1 draw, 3 loss)
*Goal difference = -8
