Gleydile Anoñuevo praised University of Santo Tomas’ 2-2 draw against De La Salle University last Saturday in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament, calling it a testament to her team’s resilience against one of this year’s top championship contenders.
Anoñuevo, a native of Masbate, scored an 83rd-minute equalizer to secure a point for UST against a La Salle team that was favored to win and advance closer to the final. For Anoñuevo, the result reflected the hard work and determination of her teammates, who fought until the very end.
“Chamba lang po yun (the goal),” she said. “Sobrang saya po kasi sunod-sunod po yung talo namin in the first round. Ngayon po, nakachamba at naka-draw po kami sa opponent.
“Sobrang proud po kami sa sarili namin kase binigay po ng bawat isa yung best po nila kahit nakakapagod na. Malaking tulong din po yung coaching ni Coach Marjo (Allado) kase nga na-apply po namin sa laro.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
This season has been a transitional one for Anoñuevo and the rest of the Lady Booters, as long-time Golden Booters coach Allado took over from two-time finalist Aging Rubio during the off-season. For Anoñuevo, playing under Allado has brought some major changes, particularly a lighter atmosphere compared to Rubio’s tenure.
“Una po si Coach Aging, magaling naman din po siya,” said the IPEA student.
“Kaso mas naintindihan po namin yung about football, yung tactical namin ngayon, mas naintindihan namin kay Coach Marjo kase nga tinuturo niya po by line and parang na-apply naman po ng bawat isa. And ano din po, masaya din po kami tuwing si Coach Marjo po yung nagtuturo kase na-e-enjoy po namin kase once na na-e-enjoy po namin mas lalo po kami natututo.”
Despite being last in the standings with just two points, UST still has a chance to reach the final, provided they win their remaining three elimination round matches and the results fall in their favor. The draw against La Salle felt like a victory, especially considering that La Salle is one of the strongest challengers to the back-to-back defending champions, Far Eastern University.
For now, the Lady Booters are focused on taking things one game at a time. More importantly, they are finally enjoying their time on the pitch.
“Sana po maipagpatuloy namin na mag-improve pa, mag-learn pa po, para madagdagan pa po at mas mag-win na po kami,” said Anoñuevo. “Para sa akin po, masaya po ako kasi matagal ko na po gustong manalo at gusto ko po matulungan ang team kasi nasa bottom po kami at gusto ko po mag-angat pa po kami.”
