THE ATENEO Women’s Football Team capped off its University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 Women’s Football Tournament campaign with a 0-7 loss to defending champions Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Booters. Their last assignment of the season was held earlier today at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
This result gives Ateneo a final win-draw-loss tally of 1-1-6 with a goal differential of -28, good for fourth in the standings.
Within the first nine minutes of the first half, the Morayta-based eleven entered the attacking third constantly, but timely interceptions by the Blue and White thwarted any chance of a breakthrough. Moments later, the AWFT nearly conceded a goal, as Len Cristobal attempted a cross from the right flank. However, blocks from players such as Raya Tolentino denied them the opening breakthrough. Since then, Ateneo struggled in containing FEU’s quickness.
In the 21st minute, Cristobal brought the ball near the net and found Sara Tulabing. The latter would execute a precise strike to give the Lady Booters the advantage, 1-0.
Playing behind, the Blue Eagles persistently attempted to bring the ball near the box, but FEU’s defense continued to cause problems. In the 28th minute, Tolentino found an opening and nearly netted another goal, but Adri Lee made a timely save despite nearly losing control of the ball.
Eight minutes later, Ateneo got the ball into their side of the pitch, with stellar footwork from the likes of Toochie Eval. Despite the Blue and White’s determination to find the equalizer, FEU’s stifling defense continued to swarm the Katipunan-based squad. The Lady Booters attempted to extend their lead with ten minutes left in the first half, but their shots either went wide or were saved by Lee.
As the match reached the 43rd minute, Trinidad delivered the ball into the box, finding Tulabing in the near-center flank for FEU’s second goal, 2-0. Three minutes into added time, Inday Tolentin penetrated the ball into the penalty area, but two Atenean defenders were ready to thwart her attempt as the halftime whistle blew.
At the onset of the second half, FEU came out firing immediately with multiple attack efforts in the 46th minute. Taking a gamble by going out of her position, Lee’s defensive prowess saw her swallow up these attacks from the Lady Booters.
While Lee’s aggressive strategy worked previously, it would end up coming back at her team’s demise as a 53rd minute uncontested goal by Judie Rose Arevalo put the Blue Eagles at a three-point disadvantage, 0-3.
Arevalo continued her heroics for FEU as a cross-field pass set her up for a 58th minute goal, 4-0. Despite a hard collision that gave her a swollen face, Tolentino showed grit and stayed in the contest.
After an Ateneo foul, FEU Team Captain Tolentin would convert a penalty kick in the 69th minute as Ateneo went down, 0-5. Looking to set a new offensive tone, Polly Balajadia attempted the lone shot in the match for Ateneo in the 72nd minute that would go wide. Closing out the contest, Tolentino and Melay Altiche converted two more goals, putting Ateneo down 0-7.
Showing great improvements this season, the AWFT looks to carry over their experience next season. However, the Blue Eagles will have to continue on without the likes of graduating members Adri Lee and Chelssey Casals in UAAP Season 87.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (0): Lee, Tolentino, Samonte, Zalamea, Francisco, Embuscado, Alferez, Espiritu, Lim, Napoles, Eval
FEU(7): Artillo, Tolentin, Soriano, Balacua, Doctora, A. Rebosura, Cristobal, Ansabor, Tulabing, G. Rebosura, Trinidad
Standings – Points (Goal Difference):
- FEU Lady Booters – 24 (+25)
- DLSU Lady Booters – 15 (+14)
- UP Fighting Maroons – 10 (+2)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 4 (-28)
- UST Lady Booters – 3 (-17)
