By: Nicole Parallag
University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University delivered one of the most thrilling matches of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament, canceling each other out anew, this time in a 3-3 stalemate on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
This marked the second draw between UST and Ateneo this season, following a 1-1 stalemate last Saturday that concluded round one of the eliminations.
Celina Salazar gave the Blue Eagles an early advantage, connecting with KC Zalamea to put their side ahead 15 minutes into the game.
The Lady Booters quickly responded as Gelydile Anonuevo tapped in the first equalizer after Stephanie Logastua’s initial shot bounced off the post.
Ateneo regained the lead in the 22nd minute through Jada Bicierro’s well-timed header, only for Stephanie Logastua to level the match once more in the 36th minute with a composed finish, making it 2–2.
Just before halftime, Bicierro completed her brace, scoring in the 44th minute to give Ateneo a narrow lead heading into the second half.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“We made a new system of attack,” said Blue Eagles head coach Bob Manlulo. “Let’s say we were able to convert three goals, but the problem was we gave easy goals to UST because we allowed them to gain possession. So, I guess we have to regroup again and plan things to be more of an attacking team rather than a defensive one.
“Hopefully we can get back another win for us to have this psychological boost. If we cannot reach the finals, at least we can have a decent result for the season,” he added.
However, UST brought the match back to level terms one last time as Christy Logastua put the ball in the back of the net, ensuring that both the Lady Booters and the Blue Eagles would share a point each.
With both teams now having five points in the standings, UST remains third due to a better goal difference of -1, while Ateneo sits fourth with a -4 goal difference.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“We shared the same points,” said Lady Booters coach Marjo Allado. “It’s better than a loss because they were leading. Our purpose was to be the first to score and to extend our lead. UST dominated in the last few minutes, but Ateneo, when they attack, is very hard to stop, especially with their corner kicks.
“Overall, both teams were tired, but whoever had that winning mentality would try to last,” he added.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, October 18, at the same venue.
UST will face defending champion Far Eastern University at 4 p.m., while Ateneo will aim for its first win of the second round against University of the Philippines at 6:30 p.m.
