The Ateneo Women’s Football Team (AWFT) renewed their rivalry against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers in the final match of the first round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Women’s Football tournament on Saturday, February 24, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. The DLSU squad claimed a 1-0 victory over the Lady Eagles after converting from the spot in the first half.

This loss leaves the Lady Eagles with a 1-1-2 win-draw-loss record in the tournament, with a total of four points and a goal difference of zero.

With the three other teams having played all their first round matches, the Lady Eagles entered the match with the chance to leapfrog DLSU and Far Eastern University (FEU) before the conclusion of the first round. All but three points separated the middle three teams.

In spite of a DLSU defensive mix-up that gave AWFT forward Martie Bautista a half-chance at goal, the Lady Archers opened the game with undeniable organization and dominance in the middle of the park. They piled pressure on the Lady Eagles, only allowing a few breakaway chances, but remaining generally tidy in possession.

Continuous pressure on the Blue and White goal eventually forced defender Cathy Cabrera to attempt a last-ditch tackle within her own penalty box. The defender slid in and was adjudged to have committed a foul, conceding a penalty and receiving a yellow card in the 37th minute. Lady Archer Alexi Arrieta converted confidently, smashing her penalty past AWFT keeper Mariane Caparros and into the roof of the net. The score remained 1-0 to the Lady Archers until halftime.

The Lady Eagles stepped onto the pitch after halftime with a more attack-oriented blueprint as they looked to rescue something from the game. Martina Ferrer replaced Rafi Javier near the hour mark and injected a new dimension in attack, building on her previous performances to weave through defenders on the left wing.

While the Blue and White put on a spirited display in the second half, with Bautista getting into good scoring positions twice, they could not find an opening through a resolute Lady Archers defensive line. The match ended with the current UAAP champions earning the win and climbing to the top of the UAAP rankings heading into the second round.

Ateneo Starting XI

Caparros (GK), Bugayong, Cabrera, Calimbo, Villaflor, Catedrilla, Diaz, Amoncio (C), Javier, Bautista, Bernardo

Ateneo Substitutions

54’ – Ferrer on for Javier