Just when the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles looked to have a dream start to the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Football Tournament second round, University of Santo Tomas Lady Booters skipper Hazel Lustan found a way to save her team’s blushes.
In a frustrating 90 minutes for both camps, Ateneo and UST fought out a 1-1 stalemate, Wednesday morning, at the Circulo Verde field in Quezon City.
“Going to this game, it was very difficult for Ateneo. Martie (Bautista) and (Nina Catedrilla), hindi sila in-allow ng profs to move their exams. So talagang (I’m) very disappointed sa nangyari,” said Ateneo mentor Jay Pee Merida.
“Of course, kailangan namin yung dalawa, but of course I need to trust pa rin my players. But I’m happy doon kasi talagang nag-perform sila (sa game),” he added.
The Lady Eagles drew first blood in the 30th minute courtesy of some abject defending from the Lady Booters. Paulina Naguiat took advantage from a miscue at the UST backline to intercept the ball in a dangerous position, which allowed Pam Diaz to score the opener.
Four minutes from time, though, Ateneo succumbed to a late leveler from the España-based school. Following a dead ball situation, the Lady Eagles backline was in tatters. Lustan then scored past goalie Marie Caparros to earn a point for UST.
“Of course, we go here talaga to get the three points. If we get the three points, may clear chance talaga to make the top two. Of course for UST, disappointing game din ito for them kasi kailangan din nila talaga yung three points (to qualify for the finals),” added the two-time UAAP champion mentor.
“For us talaga, kung ito lang ang binigay, we have to accept and we need to prepare lang siguro for our next game,” he continued.
UST (8 points) next play the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on April 27, 2019, 3:00 PM. Meanwhile, Ateneo (4 points) also face the Morayta-based school on May 1, 2019, 9:00 AM. Circulo Verde will continue to host both games.
UST XI: Cadag, Durano, Espiritu, Indac, Jihad, Lopez, Lubangco, Lustan ©, Panes, Reyes (GK).
ADMU XI: Adao, Almeda M, Almeda J, Bugayong, Cabrera, Calimbo, Caparros (GK, C), Cotoco, De Luna, Diaz, Naguiat.
