THE ATENEO Women’s Football Team (AWFT) ended on level terms against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Booters in their opening match of the second round, 3-3. The derby was held earlier today, October 11, at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
The AWFT now holds a 1-2-2 win-draw-loss record with a -4 goal difference to remain fourth in the rankings of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 Women’s Football Tournament.
Star striker Jada Bicierro was named Player of the Match following a brace, scoring both goals within the first half of the match.
Taking a defensive approach to open the game, the Blue Eagles worked to gain control of the ball away from the Lady Booters. This tactic proved effective for the Blue and White after successfully denying UST a chance at their first goal in the fourth minute.
Despite UST’s determined backline, Bicierro connected with defender Soleil Schroth, who made quick work of the ball in an effort to score. Taking advantage of their growing momentum, Team Captain KC Zalamea found a chance to score at the 10th minute, but the skippers’ attempt failed to materialize.
Stepping on the gas, the Blue Eagles found success after Zalamea and Angely Alferez pushed forward with the ball, breaking through the Lady Booter defense and allowing midfielder Celina Salazar to claim the first goal of the match, 1-0.
Shortly after, UST immediately gained possession in the 18th minute, but was quickly denied by goalkeeper Chelssy Casals. Then, a scuffle within Ateneo’s defensive third revealed cracks in the Blue Eagle defense, as Gold and White midfielder Gelydile Añonuevo earned UST’s first goal at the 22nd minute, 1-1.
Unfazed by España’s goal, the Blue and White charged through the UST backline to set up Bicierro for Ateneo’s second goal at the 24th minute, 2-1. As the Gold and White pressed aggressively towards Ateneo’s defensive third, Casals denied another shot from the Lady Booters.
In the 36th minute, Thomasian Stephanie Logastua claimed another goal for the Lady Booters on an easy pass, as the shot slipped under Casals’ hands, 2-2. Nonetheless, Bicierro stepped up to garner another goal for the Blue Eagles at the 43rd minute, maintaining Katipunan’s advantage over España. Although the Lady Booters remained aggressive on the offense, Casals stood her ground at the post, ending the half at 3-2.
At the onset of the second half, Ateneo displayed gallant offense as both teams exchanged ball possession. Center Back Raya Tolentino intercepted the Lady Booters’ shots down the middle to clear their scoring opportunities. In response, Gold and White midfielder Christy Logastua executed a looping shot going beyond Casals’ reach, which successfully equalized the scoreline, 3-all.
In hopes of a counterattack at the 52nd minute, Bicierro raced against the España-based defenders, yet found herself cornered by defenders at the right flank. Christy Logastua then collected multiple shots on target in the following minutes, but Casals parried each attempt to keep the scores even. Blue Eagle Kristine Napoles then entered the field to provide support for Bicierro from the left flank, but struggled to produce chances up to the 83rd minute.
As haphazard plays ensued on the pitch, a long-range Alferez kick at the 89th minute was blocked by UST keeper Lizlie Garcia. With four minutes of stoppage time, defender Tootchie Eval cleared Thomasian Samantha Asilo’s shot to contain the Lady Booters’ chances for a goal. The final minutes on the clock brought both teams scrambling for goal opportunities, but the match eventually reached full time, resulting in a 3-3 draw.
Hoping to place higher on the standings, the AWFT will face the UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday, October 18, at 6:30 PM in the same venue.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (3): Casals (GK), Zalamea (C), Tolentino, Alferez, Salazar, ALobin, Halili, Bicierro, Eval, Francisco
UST (3): Garcia (GK), Sy (C), Bullanday, Gerona, Prado, S. Logastua, Ramos, Añonuevo, Pinili, C. Logastua, Santerva
Standings – Points (Goal Difference):
- FEU Lady Tamaraws – 12 (+10)
- DLSU Lady Booters – 12 (+5)
- UST Lady Booters – 5 (-1)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 5 (-4)
- UP Fighting Maroons – 0 (-10)
