In a championship clash between two teams carrying contrasting momenta, defending champion Far Eastern University and challenger De La Salle University are set to battle for the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament crown for the fifth straight edition on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Riding the high of an eight-win elimination round, top-seeded FEU is embracing the chance to secure a fourth consecutive title.
La Salle defeated FEU back in Season 81, 2–0, behind the exploits of Sara Castañeda and Shai Del Campo.
Since then, the Lady Tamaraws have turned the rivalry around, capturing the championships in Seasons 85 (2–1, AET), 86 (2–1, AET), and 87 (3–2), with Inday Tolentin leading the charge.
Now, FEU aims to extend its UAAP-record 13 titles to 14 and spark another potential treble run for the school.
Their dominance this year was evident when they clinched their fifth straight final appearance with a 2–0 win over the University of Santo Tomas on October 18 — even with three matches still left on their second-round slate.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For Lady Tamaraws head coach Let Dimzon, the focus is on staying sharp and not underestimating the Lady Booters despite defeating them twice in the eliminations — 2–1 on October 4 and again on November 5.
The decorated head coach stressed that the one-off nature of the final means anything can happen, and discipline will be key.
“Although nakalaro na namin ang La Salle, we need to be focused,” said the former national team mentor. “Hindi kami magre-relax dahil lang natalo namin ang La Salle for two games. Kailangan talaga, we need to strengthen our attacks, yung discipline in both attack and defending, and then also yung rotation ng players.”
FEU enters the title match with three Golden Boot contenders: Judie Arevalo, the current leader with seven goals; and Regine Rebosura and Marinell Cristobal, who have five goals each.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, La Salle arrives in the final as the underdog after a rough second round that saw losses to Ateneo de Manila University, FEU, and UST. Still, Season 87 Rookie of the Year and Golden Boot co-winner Dani Tanjangco has been a bright spot with three goals this season.
Despite the odds, Lady Booters head coach Alvin Ocampo has challenged his team to rise above past heartbreaks and break a streak of runner-up finishes to FEU, as they chase the program’s first title since Season 81.
“Accept the pressure,” said Ocampo. “Play with passion and love for the game, and genuine enjoyment will come. Mental toughness teaches you to bounce back. We will compete.”
If La Salle manages to flip the script and dethrone FEU, it will capture its 12th championship in the women’s division.
The Lady Booters have been in this position before — most notably in Season 80, when they stunned top-seeded UST in the final despite being swept by the Tigresses in the eliminations.
