IN STARK contrast to their first round matchup, the Ateneo Women’s Football Team (AWFT) left with a 0-3 loss against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Booters earlier today at the UP Diliman Football Field in Quezon City. This fixture marked Ateneo’s second match for the second round of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 eliminations.
Today’s outcome kept the Blue Eagles in fourth place in the standings with a 1-1-4 win-draw-loss record and a goal differential of -20.
From the onset, possession was evenly contested, but Ateneo’s frequent successful tackles underscored their offensive prowess. Blue Eagles Kristine Napoles and Kassandra Zalamea attempted to breach the scoring impasse at the fifth and seventh minutes, yet found their efforts by UST’s defensive line.
As the opposition gained control of the ball, Ateneo keeper Chelssy Casals began to show her mettle, making crucial saves throughout the first half, including ventures outside the box to block UST’s aggressive advances in the 17th and 22nd minute.
However, still hungry for a breakthrough, both sides had opportunities to capitalize on penalty kicks by the 32nd and 35th minute. In the end, neither unit could convert as both posts could not be penetrated.
Despite exhibiting a stronger offensive presence, the Blue and White were plagued by a series of wayward shots from Alferez and a misdirected final effort from Rae Tolentino in the 44th minute, ultimately reaching halftime with a goalless draw.
Looking to get on the board, both squads continued to swap control of the ball to begin the second half. The Blue Eagles staved off multiple close-range attempts from the Lady Booters. In response to this, UST picked up the pace with Rica Gerona eventually taking advantage of a miscommunication by Ateneo, finding the net in the 51st minute to take the lead 1-0.
The Blue Eagles immediately tried to answer back, but to no avail as a Lim long-range kick and a header from Raya Tolentino were both swallowed up by UST Goalkeeper Pao Garcia.
In an effort to stop a transition attack, Ateneo committed a foul that awarded the Lady Booters another penalty. This was consequently converted into a goal by Bianca Sy in the 67th minute, extending UST’s lead, 2-0. The UST onslaught continued as a wild coast-to-coast conversion by Gly Añonuevo in the 78th minute sealed the contest for good for the España-based squad, 3-0.
As their quest for a second victory continues, the Blue Eagles face the DLSU Lady Booters next Saturday, April 20, at 4:00 PM at the same venue.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (0): Casals (GK), Tuaño, Tolentino, Samonte, Zalamea (C), Francisco, Alferez, Espiritu, Lim, Napoles, Eval
UST (3): Garcia (GK), Gerons, Sy (C) , Logastua, Ramos, Pinili, Mosico, Quiman, Fernandez, Santerva, Sumampong
Standings (Points, Goal Difference):
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (15, +15)
- DLSU Lady Booters (12, +14)
- UP Fighting Maroons (7, -1)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (4, -20)
- UST Lady Booters (3, -8)
