Jodi Banzon kept her composure when it mattered most, delivering the decisive penalty that sent De La Salle University back to the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament Finals and one step closer to ending its championship drought.
The second-year recruit out of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu converted the winning spot-kick as La Salle edged University of the Philippines, 3-2, in a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw through extra time.
With the win, La Salle earned its ninth consecutive finals appearance.
The victory also gives the Lady Booters another shot at ending a four-game championship losing streak against four-time defending champion Far Eastern University and a chance to claim their first title since Season 81.
“First of all, I think that it was really a tough match between UP [and DLSU] — they were so good,” said the 20-year-old striker. “They really challenged us so hard. The Lord really gave us so many challenges, but I believe that everything happened for a reason.
“All we had to do was to play with our hearts, to play for La Salle, and to [play for] the people watching here with us — in the venue, outside the venue, people in the provinces, especially to our families. Some mamas here live in the provinces, so we dedicate it to them and all of the La Salle community. I feel like we really just wanted to win this for our seniors, for our OSD staff.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Banzon was not alone in delivering when the pressure was at its highest.
Goalkeeper Jessica Pido came up with crucial saves against UP’s Erissa Rivas and Julian Arrojado, while Ushin Joi Valencia and Elisha Lubiano converted their respective spot-kicks to keep the Lady Booters in contention.
Penalty shootouts are inherently unpredictable, with luck and composure often proving just as important as execution. In a match that could have gone either way, those four players made the difference in helping La Salle survive its toughest test of the season.
“Honestly, when we had our preparations for this game, the only time we practiced penalties, we only did it twice per player,” said Banzon.
“But I’m very proud of my senior, Ate Jeka (Pido), for remaining composed, and to all of my other teammates who really played their hearts out.”
Having navigated a grueling elimination round and a tension-filled Final Four encounter, this batch of Lady Booters has emerged battle-hardened. They now hope to draw from those shared experiences and their deep team bond as they prepare to turn the tables on the Lady Tamaraws this Friday.
La Salle has already snapped FEU’s 38-game unbeaten streak. Now, the Lady Booters are eyeing an even bigger prize: the championship.
“I feel like we have to stay composed since we’ve already come this far,” said Banzon.
“We had so many challenges that happened to us this year, and I feel like, for us players, our coaches — they just really want us to be the best versions of ourselves on and off the pitch. And I think that it really starts with having a community in our team, being sisters, and all of us as sisters wanting to win.”
