By: Nicole Parallag
Far Eastern University had not tasted defeat since absorbing a 2–3 decision against De La Salle University on March 23, 2023. And just as the Lady Tamaraws appeared poised to extend that dominance on Wednesday evening, the Lady Booters brought their historic run to an end.
Elisha Lubiano’s lone strike propelled De La Salle University to a 1-0 victory over the previously-undefeated Lady Tamaraws, forcing a traditional Final Four in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Wednesday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The third-year midfielder broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick from Jodi Banzon with a well-placed header that ultimately ended FEU’s bid for a perfect season.
The defeat snapped the Lady Tamaraws’ 38-game unbeaten streak, which included 22 consecutive victories. It also came at an opportune time for La Salle, which gained a much-needed morale boost heading into the Final Four and secured a twice-to-beat advantage against the third-ranked UP Fighting Maroons.
“Yung prayer ko, kung ano binigay sa’min, okay lang. Pumunta dito yung kids with a mindset na gusto nila manalo sa game na ‘to. Pinakita naman talaga nila — they really want to play and beat the defending champions,” said new head coach Joyce Landagan, adding another milestone to her debut season with the women’s team.
Goalkeeper Jessica Pido delivered a commendable performance, denying the Morayta side’s attempts to preserve the clean sheet and seal the victory. The result also avenged La Salle’s 0-1 loss in their previous meeting on October 7, when Jelan Pabuaya scored the decisive goal for FEU.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The victory lifted La Salle to 22 points, allowing the Lady Booters to secure second place in the standings. The result also finalized the inaugural Final Four playoff field, marking a first for the UAAP Women’s Football Tournament.
“With this win, marami ako na-apply. But again, ‘di pa tapos yung season. We will celebrate and be happy, but after this, we need to take it again—one game at a time,” Landagan added.
Judie Arevalo made several attempts to equalize for the Lady Tamaraws but was repeatedly denied by Pido. In a last-ditch effort during added time, midfielder Tiffany Trinidad tried to salvage a goal for FEU, only for her shot to sail over the crossbar.
Despite the loss, the Lady Tamaraws finished atop the standings with 27 points, ahead of the Lady Booters. Both teams secured twice-to-beat advantages heading into the semifinals.
FEU will face Ateneo de Manila University, which clinched the final playoff spot earlier after defeating National University.
