DESPITE BUILDING momentum in their hard-fought University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 opener, the Ateneo Women’s Football Team (AWFT) fell short against reigning champions Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 0-3. The Blue Eagles’ second game of the season was held earlier this afternoon at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
The outcome puts the AWFT at a 0-0-2 win-draw-loss record in the group stage of the UAAP Women’s Football tournament.
Countering the Morayta-based team’s calculated strikes at the game’s onset was goalkeeper Chelssy Casals, who fortified the Ateneo wall with her strenuous keeps in the first few minutes of the match. Bolstering the team’s infield rhythm, rookie forward Jada Bicierro and Tootchie Eval spearheaded the offense as they tried to replicate the Lady Tamaraws’ early aggression.
FEU doubled down on their offensive advantages in an attempt to create quality looks, while the AWFT focused on establishing their tempo. However, despite the latter’s strategic maneuvers at the five-minute mark, FEU’s Dionesa Tolentin drew first blood from close range, 0-1.
Challenged by the defending champions’ productive pace, the Blue and White were forced to press their defensive tactics to maintain composure. With Ateneo in danger of falling into a deeper hole, Casals strenuously denied FEU’s attempt for another goal at the 11th minute.
Determined to respond to the Lady Tamaraws’ impressive showing, the Blue Eagles pushed to solidify their rhythm midway through the first half, with Eval spearheading the defense in the midfield. At the 30th minute, Eval attempted to strike the Blue and White’s first goal of the season when scoring opportunities opened. However, FEU’s goalkeeper Yasmin Elauria denied her entry.
In the heat of the half’s final minutes, Bicierro generated additional scoring chances for Ateneo. However, her efforts proved futile as FEU’s offense fired back with a Regine Rebosura goal at the 40th minute, putting the Blue Eagles at a 0-2 disadvantage to end the half.
As the second half commenced, Casals caught an early FEU attempt for a goal at the 45th minute, followed by Patty Francisco’s block during the 46th minute to avoid a 0-3 deficit.
The Blue Eagles then held possession at the 51-minute mark, with Angely Alferez seeking to score Ateneo’s first goal of the season. However, Lady Tamaraws goalkeeper Elauria thwarted the Atenean’s attempt, ending the Blue and White’s opportunity for a goal in that sequence.
With more minutes elapsing in the second half, Raya Tolentino intercepted FEU’s goal-seeking Tolentin at the 66th minute, as possessions shifted between both sides of the pitch.
Seeking another chance, Alferez powered through the Lady Tamaraws’ defenders at the 69-minute mark, but her attempt for a goal missed wide.
As the game progressed, FEU’s tactical offensive strategy rattled Ateneo’s fielding formation, culminating in a Sarahgen Tulabing shot at the 76th minute that veered into the roof of the net, 3-0.
With 12 minutes left until full-time, team captain and midfielder KC Zalamea sought to nail an instant goal with a pass toward the left side of the pitch, only to find no Blue Eagle to receive her efforts.
Regardless of the deficit, Casals remained on her feet with constant denials on FEU’s chances for goals at the 81st and 89th minutes, alongside Kristine Napoles who parried Janly Fontamillas’ advances.
Despite extra time and substitutions by the Katipunan-based squad, the Lady Tamaraws ultimately held Ateneo scoreless and prevailed in a wire-to-wire affair, 3-0.
Gunning for their first victory, the AWFT will face the University of Santo Tomas Lady Booters on October 19, Saturday, at 4:00 PM in the same venue.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (0): Casals (GK), Alferez, Bicierro, Eval, Francisco, Halili, Lim, Schroth, Tolentino, Tuaño, Zalamea
FEU (3): Elauria (GK), Tolentin, Albiño, Fontamillas, Tulabing, Rebosura, Cuenco, Altiche, Colina, Arevalo, Balacua
Standings – Points (Goal Difference):
- FEU Lady Tamaraws – 3 (+3)
- DLSU Lady Booters – 3 (+2)
- UP Fighting Maroons – 3 (+1)
- UST Lady Booters – 0 (-2)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 0 (-4)
