IN A twin bill against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Booters, the Ateneo Blue Eagles concluded their Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) Quad Meet campaign with mixed results after a 0-0 draw and a 0-1 loss. The doubleheader was held earlier today at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus City.
With today’s results, the Blue Eagles finished their run with a total win-draw-loss record of 0-2-2.
Game 1 vs UST
The Blue Eagles dominated possession throughout their first match against the Lady Booters, allowing Team Captain KC Zalamea, Patty Francisco, and rookie Celina Salazar to create meaningful chances for their squad.
Not willing to give up any room in the match, UST’s midfield asserted its own dominance, pushing Ateneo back and forcing errors. The Blue and White’s lack of composure was also compounded by poor anticipation, allowing the Lady Booters to create chances of their own.
As the full-time whistle blew, neither team was able to find a breakthrough, resulting in a goalless draw, 0-0.
Battle for Third vs UST
With a chance at a podium finish at stake, both clubs entered the rematch with renewed vigor. However, Ateneo’s plan of playing a front-footed defense backfired on them at the third minute, conceding an early UST free-kick goal after Joshper Halili fouled just outside the box, 0-1.
Finding themselves trailing early on, Ateneo then became more proactive in seeking scoring opportunities, but was unable to break down UST’s defense. Despite their best efforts, the Blue and White were unable to find an equalizer, handing them their second and final defeat of the tournament.
With these results, the Ateneo Women’s Football Team concluded its journey in the AVSH Quad Meet in fourth place, securing two draws and two losses during their four-game run. As Season 88 draws near, the Katipunan-based squad hopes to gain more valuable experience for the upcoming season through their ongoing participation in the Ang Liga Filipina Invitational on August 10 and 17.