THE ATENEO Lady Eagles fell to the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons, 1-2 on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig City.

After a tight and scoreless first half, the Lady Maroons got their goal almost immediately as the second half began. In the 46th minute, a looping cross played in from a deadball was headed in by Maria Angeliza Sta. Clara. Although, the contact was not strong, the Lady Maroon directed it well, as the ball took one bounce on its way to the far left corner for the goal.

The Lady Eagles responded brilliantly with a goal of their own the following minute. After Team Captain Cam Rodriguez found herself free in the UP box, she took a powerful shot that flew into the back of the net at the 47th minute.

Not long after the equalizer, UP got their lead back in the 52nd minute through Sta. Clara once again. A dangerous ball played close to the Ateneo box forced goalkeeper Mariane Caparros off her line, but Sta. Clara was able to get a touch on the ball before the keeper. There was nothing the Ateneo backline could do but watch as the ball rolled in to give Sta. Clara her brace.

Although the Blue and White fought back valiantly–pouring more players forward in search for a second equalizer–the match ended, 1-2, in favor of the Lady Maroons.

Adding to the woes of the Lady Eagles, Rodriguez received a yellow card in the 64th minute, meaning she will not be able to play next match due to an acculumation of yellow cards. The Lady Eagles will also most likely lose the services of defender Kimbo Jimenez, as she sustained what is suspected to be a dislocated shoulder towards the end of the match.

With the loss, the Lady Eagles remain in 4th place at six points with a 2-0-5 and a –5 goal difference. The Lady Eagles are now out of contention to play the De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 78 Women’s Football finals, as it is mathematically impossible for the team to finish in the top two.

Their final game of the elimination round will be against the University of Santo Tomas, 7:00 PM, Sunday, April 23 at the McKinley Hill Staidum in Taguig City.

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