On a scorching Sunday afternoon on January 30, the Ateneo Lady Booters and the UP Lady Maroons faced off in the name of neighborly supremacy. This year’s matchup however, was also the battle of the bottom two.
Both teams were highly motivated to register the coveted first win of the season, but this moment would have to wait until the second round, as the clash concluded in a 1-1 draw.
The Lady Booters started slow, yet eventually gained majority of possessions. There were many close attempts on goal by the Blue and White, but they all lacked a good finishing.
Lydia Stroud-Lusk had a promising solo breakaway, but failed to put a strong boot behind the ball early on in the chase.
Another chance presented itself in Maan Cadayona’s corner kick, which was curling directly into striking zone. The ball was scrappily cleared by the Lady Maroons’ defense, which found its way to Cecille Dayrit, setting her up for a dangerous strike five meters away from the goal box. Dayrit, however, over hit the ball as it grazed the top of the crossbar.
Eventually, opportunity came knocking when Cess Trinidad, the Lady Booters’ relentless attacking striker, broke away through a stolen ball off a Lady Maroon defensive blunder.
But just as Trinidad entered dangerous territory, she was brutally tackled by Mary Solis at the edge of the penalty box. The Lady Booters were awarded a penalty, which was converted with ease by birthday girl Kyra Tagbo, giving the Blue and White a one-goal lead, and their first goal of the season.
Faced with the pressures of equalizing, in the second half the Lady Maroons stepped up their offense.
The Lady Booters strived to maintain their lead, but luck was not on their side. Solis was able to redeem herself in the closing minutes as she equalized via a Hail Mary kick from close to halfway. The powerful high-flying strike bounced off goalkeeper Gely Tiu’s hands and into the net.
The Lady Blooters were desperate to up the score, substituting in veteran Monica Santos in hopes of converting a goal in the dying minutes. However, it was too little too late as the final whistle blew.
The Lady Booters end the first round at last place, with two points. They will kick off the second round against the undefeated La Salle Green Archers. Details of the game have yet to be announced.
