Jonela Albiño struck in the 111th minute as Far Eastern University became the most successful program again following a 2-1 win at extra time over De La Salle in the UAAP Season 86 women’s football Final at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Friday night.
Albiño converted a free kick that broke the 1-1 stalemate to put the Lady Tamaraws ahead and eventually complete a perfect season for a record 12th title overall.
Anicka Castañeda tried to restore parity late in the match, but her shot sailed past the crossbar.
(C) Zoila Caga/UAAP Season 86 Media TeamWith the victory, FEU has a chance to complete a second straight golden treble. Tts men’s team goes for the crown against University of the Philippines at 5:00 PM on Thursday at the same Malate venue.
The Baby Tamaraws last March won a record 11th high school boys football title.
Tournament MVP Dionesa Tolentin produced the equalizer before halftime right after Maria Layacan opened the scoring for the Lady Booters in the 16th minute.
Tolentin, who also won the Golden Boot and Best Striker awards, was happy that her team did not lose composure despite trailing by a goal.
(C) Zoila Caga/UAAP Season 86 Media Team“Nandoon pa rin po yung eagerness na palunin yung game namin. Ito yung pinaka-importante sa lahat kasi sa sobrang yung preparation namin – maaga kami nagigising, maraming mga challenges na nararanasan namin. Pero ito po yung kinalabasan ng paghihirap namin,” said Tolentin.
It was the second straight season that the women’s Final went into extra time, as FEU also won the same scoreline, 2-1, last year.
“Una, magkahalo emosyon kasi kanina talaga, lose hope na’ko eh dahil wala yung play namin. So since the start ng round one hanggang second round, ang ganda ng play namin. Ang ganda ng passing, pero today, hindi lumabas yung passing namin,” said coach Let Dimzon.
She added, “Pero I’m happy pero yung players ko talaga nagtratrabaho ng husto. Yun yung pinaka-highlights ko sa team, yung sipag ng players ko when it comes to field. And every time nagso-score sila, ‘di natatapos dun laging bumabawi.
“Yung pinaka-importante sa’min yung resiliency ng players and yun nga, masaya kase ‘di namin ine-expect na makukuha pa namin. Credit to all my players sa lahat ng trinabaho nila ngayon. Para sa kanila ‘to ngayon.”
The triumph served as a fitting send-off for Lady Tamaraws Erma Balacua, Claire Ann Lubetania and Katrina Magbitang.
(C) Zoila Caga/UAAP Season 86 Media TeamCastañeda leads graduating De La Salle players, along with Xylen Cinco, Anna Beatrice Delos Reyes and Marilyn Echeverria.
Other individual awardees were FEU’s Judie Arevalo (Rookie of the Year), UP’s Frances Arcelo (Best Goalkeeper), Jennifer Baroin (Best Defender) and DLSU’s Shai del Campo (Best Midfielder).
The Fighting Maroons complete the podium finishers, placing third behind the Lady Tamaraws and the Lady Booters.
Ateneo took the Fair Play award.
DLSU XI: Gumilao (GK), Isulat, Otom, Layacan, Teves, Mendano, Del Campo (C), Gone, Castaneda, Santiago, Danoso
