THE ATENEO Women’s Football Team (AWFT) was shot down by the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Booters in their second matchup of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86, 0-8. The match took place yesterday at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
This loss puts the Blue Eagles at fifth place in the standings with a goal differential of -13.
Early on in the contest, the Blue Eagles staved off multiple scoring efforts by the defending champions thanks to timely blocks from Team Captain Patty Francisco, Kristine Napoles, and Adrielle Lee. Ateneo struggled on the offensive end however, as FEU’s press action made it difficult for them to get out of their defensive third. FEU’s Judie Arevalo then ended the deadlock in the 14th minute, finding the net to put Ateneo down, 0-1.
The Lady Booters continued to push the pace, not allowing Ateneo to progress down the pitch. Despite a great deflection from Blue Eagle Goalkeeper Lee, it turned into an open-net opportunity for FEU’s Sara Tulabing as the Blue Eagles’ deficit grew to two. Trying to calm FEU’s downpour of offense, Lee stood firm against the FEU offense, making a number of crucial saves and pickups as the game reached its midpoint.
The second half saw the floodgates open for the Sampaloc-based squad, as Ateneo’s ball pressure was not enough to contain Arevalo and Tulabing who both bagged a goal, in the 59th and 69th minutes respectively. With the matchup close to its conclusion, a mistimed pass by Ateneo allowed Season 85 MVP Katrina Magbitang to slice through Lee’s block attempt garnering and FEU’s fifth goal of the evening.
As the game reached its later stages, Ateneo shifted their focus to attacking. FEU responded with smothering defense leading to an open-lane opportunity for the Blue Eagles being quickly stifled and a long-shot by Angely Alferez being saved. The contest ended with FEU solidifying their victory with three more goals from Lyca Cuenco, Angel Egay and Dionesa Tolentin, handing the Blue Eagles their second-straight loss, 0-8.
Ateneo’s search for their first victory continues as they face the UP Fighting Maroons next Saturday, March 16, at 4:00 PM in the same venue.
