Ateneo de Manila University may have settled for a 1-1 draw against University of Santo Tomas, but the result marked a step in the right direction: the Blue Eagles remain on track for a podium finish in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament.
Sophomore forward Jada Bicierro scored the equalizer in the 79th minute, rescuing a point for Ateneo after Christy Logastua gave UST the lead in the second half.
While victory proved elusive for the Blue Eagles, Bicierro remained optimistic about her team’s potential in the coming matches.
“I mean, it’s definitely not the result we wanted,” said Bicierro. “We really wanted to win, so we would have momentum for the second round, but at least it’s not a loss, you know? But yeah, I think we could have done better and fixed some mistakes that we had for the past round.
“I’m still proud of the team, and proud that we came back in the second half.”
For Bicierro, the draw highlighted that this batch of Blue Eagles can dig deep when the going gets tough. Developing that resilience consistently will be crucial if Ateneo hopes to secure a top-three finish — a feat they last achieved in Season 79 under the leadership of Cam Rodriguez.
Pulling it off will be no small task, as Ateneo will need to overcome rivals like UST and University of the Philippines while also taking points off defending champion Far Eastern University and bridesmaid De La Salle University.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I mean, siyempre, we want to be champions,” she said.
“But right now, I think what our minimum is podium finish talaga because for the past years, we haven’t really been able to do that. And right now, I think we have the most potential in doing that.”
Bicierro’s growth on the pitch stems from her experiences beyond the Katipunan campus. A recent stint with the national women’s futsal team, formerly known as the Pinay5, gave her a fresh perspective on football and sharpened her skills for Ateneo.
Futsal, played indoors on a smaller court, forces players to think and move faster, make quicker passes, and find space under pressure. Her time in the national setup also allowed her to learn from renowned coach Vic Hermans, whose mentorship has strengthened her tactical awareness and decision-making.
“I think, honestly, having a good coach in Pinay-5, having national experience, I think it actually improved me,” said the Communications Technology student. “If you didn’t know, I took a leave of absence, and I think that I was able to use this experience.
“Even though futsal is played on a small court being indoors, I think it will help me be wiser and not just rely on the skills I have but use everything talaga.”
With the second round starting this Saturday, Bicierro is committed to pushing herself and her teammates harder. Ateneo currently sits tied with UST on four points, trailing only on goal difference.
Armed with confidence and a clear goal, the Blue Eagles are aiming to return to the top three.
“I think no limits talaga,” said Bicierro. “I will push myself for the second round, and I aim to score more. I aim to score more talaga and just contribute to the team and work harder.
“I’ll just give what the coaches want, what the team wants and what our school wants, which is a podium finish. We just need to really push ourselves. There really isn’t any limit, especially now that we want to reach the podium and fly high.”
