By: Nicole Parallag
Finals-bound Far Eastern University kept its flawless record intact in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament, routing also-ran University of the Philippines, 4-0, on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
Judie Arevalo set the tone early, finding the back of the net in the third minute to open the floodgates. She notched her sixth goal of the season — tying Ateneo de Manila University’s Jada Bicierro for the tournament lead.
Marienelle Cristobal doubled the advantage in the 44th minute with a precise long-range strike that put the Lady Tamaraws firmly in control heading into halftime.
After the break, Regine Rebosura further extended FEU’s lead with a goal in the 49th minute. Then Saraghen Tulabing sealed the victory with a clinical finish in the 90th minute.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Well, binigay namin yung mga starters namin na maka-goal kaso nga kulang pa sa focus yung iba,” said assistant coach Fitch Arboleda, who called the shots in place of head coach Let Dimzon, currently sidelined due to illness. “Again, we still have a few games, so sana maka-score pa ng more goals sila.”
The match also marked goalkeeper Paula Artillo’s debut for FEU.
Starting in place of regular starter Jessa Lehayan, Artillo made an immediate impact by recording a clean sheet in her first appearance.
With the win, FEU strengthened its hold on the top spot of the standings with 18 points and a +16 goal difference.
But despite the dominant showing, Arboleda emphasized that the team is keeping its competitive edge as the elimination round nears its conclusion.
“The same mindset pa rin since competitive coach si Coach Let,” Arboleda said. “We don’t want to relax. Gusto pa rin namin lumaban until the end.”
On the other side, the Fighting Maroons continued to struggle on offense, failing to penetrate the Lady Tamaraws’ organized defense.
Nicole Narido came close to scoring a consolation goal in the 74th minute, but Artillo produced a timely save to preserve the shutout.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UP remains at the bottom of the table with zero points and a -15 goal difference.
Meanwhile, the battle for the remaining Final berth remains tight, with De La Salle holding 12 points — just one ahead of third-running Ateneo.
Both teams will be back in action on November 5 at the UP Diliman pitch.
UP will aim to end its campaign on a high note against the University of Santo Tomas at 4:00 PM. On the other hand, FEU looks to complete a sweep of the elimination round against De La Salle University at 6:30 PM.
