Long may she reign indeed, as Far Eastern University extended its dominance in the UAAP women’s football division for an unprecedented fifth consecutive season.
Banking on Jelani Pabuaya’s first-half strike, FEU narrowly edged perennial rival De La Salle University, 1-0, to successfully defend its crown in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Friday at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium, in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.
The Lady Tamaraws became the first team to capture five consecutive championships since the women’s division was established in Season 58.
With the victory, FEU also cemented its status as the league’s most decorated program, claiming a record-extending 15th division title.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Siyempre very happy,” said a jubilant Let Dimzon after leading her alma mater to her eighth championship as head coach. “First time na magkaroon [and] to win the five-peat. And very hard, na sabi nga namin before — it’s hard na mag-champion ka, pero to keep it and sustain mo ‘yon, ayon ‘yong mas mahirap.
“So it needs a lot of dedication and hard work, not only on our side, but also sa players,” she said.
Eventual Best Striker and Golden Boot winner Judie Arevalo, who entered the final with 10 goals, nearly opened the scoring for FEU in the fifth minute, only for her attempt to be ruled offside.
The newly crowned champions did not have to wait long to break the deadlock, however, as Pabuaya — a third-year standout from Mount Carmel College of Escalante, Inc. — cut inside from the left flank in the 10th minute before unleashing a right-footed strike into the back of the net to put the Lady Tamaraws ahead.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
La Salle pressed for an equalizer in the second half, with Ushin Joi Valencia, Meagan Alforque, and Bernadeth Florano all getting scoring opportunities.
However, none managed to find the back of the net.
As FEU’s defense held firm, Arevalo had a late opportunity to put the game beyond reach, but La Salle goalkeeper Jessica Pido came up with a fine save to keep the Lady Booters in contention.
The championship was all the sweeter for FEU as it avenged its 1-0 loss to La Salle last October 28, which snapped the Lady Tamaraws’ 28-match unbeaten streak.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Ang kailangan is hindi lang tayo kasi ‘yong gustong manalo, but other teams also wanted to get this championship,” added Dimzon.
“Pero ayon nga, sabi ko sa kanila, mas mahirap at masakit kapag nag-prepare ka nang matagal — ‘yong sacrifice everything — and then at the end iiyak tayo because we lost. So ayon, at least now umiiyak kami [na panalo],” she added.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Rounding out the podium was the University of the Philippines, which secured its first bronze medal since Season 86.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The post-match ceremony also saw the presentation of the individual awards to this season’s standout performers.
Aside from Arevalo, FEU had another awardee in Sarahgen Tulabing, who took home the Best Midfielder and Most Valuable Player honors.
Meanwhile, La Salle duo Elisha Lubiano and Pido received the Best Defender and Best Goalkeeper awards, respectively, after helping the Lady Booters record six clean sheets in their 12-match campaign.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Ateneo de Manila University goalkeeper Brielle Baca was named Rookie of the Year, while tournament debutants National University received the Fair Play Award.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
