Jada Bicierro made sure Ateneo de Manila University remained dangerous whenever an opening presented itself.
The third-year forward was involved in all of the Blue Eagles’ first-half goals as Ateneo routed National University, 4-0, to close the first round of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament with a win on Wednesday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Bicierro broke the deadlock in the third minute after going one-on-one with NU goalkeeper Quenie Magarso.
The former national futsal player then played a key role in Sophia Lyttle’s brace in the 31st and 38th minutes.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Lyttle made a run down the right flank before firing Bicierro’s low cross into the net for her first goal, while her second came off a short pass from Isabel Hemedes, who had received another cross from Bicierro.
Cassandra Zaldarriaga added the exclamation point in second-half stoppage time, finishing a ball in front of the goal following a corner kick.
Ateneo climbed to solo third with nine points and a +1 goal difference, three points clear of the University of the Philippines, which had six points and a 0 goal difference.
“From my expectations, we could have played even better and scored more. Unfortunately, most of the players are really too eager to finish a goal; it’s either that or they’re too greedy in trying to get that ultimate goal. So I guess the team has to be more composed and not take opponents lightly, so I think overconfidence also played a factor in our game,” said Ateneo head coach Bob Manlulo.
The seasoned mentor is pleased with where the squad currently stands and hopes the Blue Eagles can make the necessary adjustments to maintain their place in the top four.
“It’s still within our objective for the first round to be in the top four; the objective is still there. But come the second round, of course teams have already adjusted; so I guess expect much tighter competition among the schools, since everyone has already adjusted. And I guess NU will be improving more next round and so are UP and UST, because they want to be in the top four,” added Manlulo.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, Marian Amburo and team captain Lourdes Ambahan tried to put NU in advantageous positions, but the Lady Bulldogs struggled to create a clear opportunity against Ateneo’s defense.
Lizzie Torres had a chance to give the Lady Bulldogs their first-ever UAAP goal in the 84th minute, but her free kick sailed over Blue Eagles goalkeeper Chelsey Casals.
NU remains in search of its first UAAP points and its elusive first-ever goal after absorbing its fifth straight loss to close the first round.
