Just when Ateneo de Manila University appeared poised to snatch its first point against Far Eastern University since UAAP Season 81, Judie Arevalo delivered a clutch two-goal performance to rescue the defending champions.
Arevalo’s brace and Kyaneza Abellar’s opener helped FEU edge Ateneo, 3-2, in a thrilling UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament clash on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Playing in her final year, Arevalo struck the winner in the 82nd minute to spare the Lady Tamaraws from dropping points after they squandered a two-goal cushion against the Blue Eagles.
She had earlier doubled FEU’s lead in the 25th minute, putting the Lady Tamaraws in control after Abellar opened the scoring in the 15th minute.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Maganda performance, for every game nag-show up,” said coach Let Dimzon. “So kailangan niya lang is maging consistent sa ginagawa, tsaka ‘yung understanding niya in front of the goal. She has a lot of chance talaga. Siguro kailangan niyang ma-improve ‘yung decision-making — makikita sana natin ‘yun pagdating ng second round.”
On the other hand, it was a disappointing afternoon for the Blue Eagles.
Down by two goals, Jada Bicierro pulled one back for Ateneo in the 45+3rd minute, tapping the ball into the net after FEU goalkeeper Mikah Ranain failed to properly handle Kassandra Zalamea’s free kick.
Ateneo then thought it had snatched a point when Cassandra Zaldarriaga leveled the contest in the 76th minute with a close-range finish.
But Arevalo had the final say, scoring her second goal of the match six minutes later to restore FEU’s lead.
The Blue Eagles had one last attacking sequence, with Bicierro releasing a promising cross from the right flank, but none of her teammates could get close enough to connect with it.
While relieved to secure the win, Dimzon wanted the Lady Tamaraws to become more clinical in front of goal in their succeeding matches.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“‘Yung adjustment namin, although yes, we are lacking players, ang nagiging problem namin is selection of passes,” said the former national team coach. “Mentally, they have to prepare. Although we worked on polishing the play, but I think ‘di ko siya nakita.
“So ‘yun ang kailangan naming matutunan, kasi we have a lot of chances to attack. Malaki ‘yung tsansa namin, kaso pagdating namin to the attacking third, we lose the chances to convert it to goals,” she added.
Both schools will wrap up the first round on Wednesday at the same venue.
FEU will face perennial rival De La Salle University at 7 p.m., while Ateneo takes on National University at 4:30 p.m.
