Five-peat-seeking Far Eastern University moved within one win of its sixth consecutive championship match appearance after easing past Ateneo de Manila University, 4-1, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The Lady Tamaraws, who need to defeat the De La Salle Lady Booters this Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the same venue to secure a direct berth in the final and relegate the remaining contenders to a stepladder playoff, had a more comfortable outing against the Blue Eagles than in their 3-2 victory last October 3.
“There are two objectives sa La Salle game,” said coach Let Dimzon. “One is that we wanted to get that game para ma-secure na namin ‘yung direct to finals.
“Pangalawa, ‘yung maayos ‘yung attacking namin kasi the last game namin against La Salle, nahirapan kami because they had players in front. Nahirapan kami defensively, so we’ll focus more on that,” she added.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Iries Dela Cruz set the tone with a goal just two minutes after kickoff before Daniella Balicaria doubled the lead in the 27th minute, giving the league leaders a comfortable advantage heading into halftime.
Julia Sacmar extended FEU’s lead in the 47th minute, tapping in Jelani Pabuaya’s layoff.
Judie Arevalo then capped the scoring in stoppage time (90+3’) with a header, redeeming herself after Ateneo goalkeeper Chelssy Casals saved her earlier penalty attempt. Jada Bicierro scored the Blue Eagles’ lone goal in the 86th minute.
“Siguro ‘yung nagbigay ng spirit to enjoy ‘yung laro is ‘yung early first goal,” added Dimzon.
“Kasi during nung pre-match meeting namin, sinabi ko they need to make ‘bawi, ‘kasi a lot of players in the previous games na medyo off ‘yung performance. I think it’s a good show na makita ‘yung response ng players doon sa meeting namin,” she continued.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
With the victory, FEU improved to 27 points to remain atop the standings, while Ateneo stayed in fourth place with 10 points.
The Lady Tamaraws also extended their winning streak to 22 matches and their unbeaten run to 38 games.
Before FEU takes on La Salle for a place in the final, Ateneo will face National University at 4:30 p.m. at the same venue to close out its second-round campaign.
