Jodie Banzon could not have asked for a better way to prepare for one of De La Salle University’s biggest tests of the season.
As it stands, Banzon is fresh off a two-goal performance against University of Santo Tomas last Saturday. The second-year Cebuana enters La Salle’s highly anticipated showdown with perennial rival Far Eastern University riding a wave of confidence as the Lady Booters look to preserve their perfect start in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament.
Banzon struck twice in the opening half to power La Salle past UST, 3-2, in a hard-fought victory that kept the Taft-based squad unbeaten after four matchdays.
For Banzon, however, the win was more than just another three points. It was a test of the Lady Booters’ character — and one they hope to build on moving forward.
“Tough match. It was a good game,” she said. “We both respected each other because we really put our best versions of ourselves out there, so we really challenged each other. I think it’s good for promoting women’s football here in the Philippines, so it’s good na we won.
“But hopefully, in the next games, we’ll still keep the Lasallian fighting spirit, and we’ll still play for each other and the people who support us.”
La Salle currently sits second in the standings with 12 points and a plus-seven goal difference, trailing defending champion FEU only on goal difference. The Lady Tamaraws boast a plus-12 differential.
The matchup between the Lady Booters and Lady Tamaraws has traditionally been one of the most fiercely-contested fixtures in the league, with even more at stake given their recent history.
FEU has won the last four UAAP championships at La Salle’s expense, while the Lady Booters’ most recent victory over their Morayta rivals came in a 3-2 decision on March 25, 2023, during Season 85.
With a chance to close out the first round with a statement win over the defending champions, Banzon acknowledged the significance of the showdown. However, she stressed that La Salle must remain focused on what it can control.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“I think it would be a challenge, of course. But for us girls, we’ll try to keep ourselves grounded, to be there for each other, and talk it out whenever we have to fight this battle as a team,” said the Business Management student.
“This sport is not an individual sport. We have to play our hearts out for the people whom we love and for the pride and honor of our school.”
Banzon has now scored three goals this season following her brace against UST. She also scored in La Salle’s 2-0 victory over National University on September 30.
The sophomore forward has also flourished under new Lady Booters head coach Joyce Landagan, whom she had previously worked with before both made their way to Taft.
Still, Banzon knows that the Lady Booters remain a work in progress as they adjust to a new coaching staff. Rather than allow the transition to divide them, however, the team has made a collective effort to grow together.
“Personally, I was already under them during national team training and under Coach Joyce for Beach Hut,” she explained.
“But in the overall aspect of the team, I think it’s so amazing that we were able to adjust to their teaching styles and we really tried to work together. We had so many setbacks. We had so many problems internally, but we really tried to improve ourselves and spread positivity for our team to reach the top.”
Banzon has quickly established herself as one of La Salle’s most important players in Season 89. But while her three-goal tally highlights her growing impact, the sophomore winger remains focused on becoming a more complete player in the Lady Booters’ bid to reclaim collegiate football supremacy.
And behind that pursuit is a motivation that goes beyond football.
For Banzon, every sprint, tackle, and goal is also a way of representing the people who have supported her from back home in Cebu.
“I’m very happy because I’m doing this for the people back in Cebu: for my family, for my brother, and for the people whom I love,” she closed.
