By: George Torno
Far Eastern University dashed Ateneo de Manila University’s hopes of reaching the final while finishing the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Football Collegiate Tournament eliminations in perfect fashion, cruising to a 4–1 victory, Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
With 24 points and a +20 goal difference, league-leading FEU will face De La Salle University in the November 15 final, aiming for their fourth consecutive championship and 14th overall in the women’s division.
The Blue Eagles, meanwhile, saw their dream of entering the championship game cut short, as they needed at least a draw to stay in contention.
Still, Ateneo celebrates its first podium finish since Season 79. It secured the bronze by ending the eliminations in third with 11 points and a -5 goal difference.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I feel blessed sa mga players ko kasi, siyempre, hindi ako nag-start with a strong team so four of the players from the starting 11 are coming from the bench,” said coach Let Dimzon. “So yung performance nila, na pinakita kanina, I’m very satisfied, scoring 4-1 against Ateneo.”
FEU set the tone early, giving Ateneo little room to breathe as key strikes from Jelan Pabuaya, Judie Arevalo, and Althea Rebosura powered the Lady Tamaraws to a commanding victory.
Pabuaya opened the scoring just three minutes in, but Kassandra Zalamea quickly responded with a free-kick equalizer in the ninth minute, leveling the match at 1–1.
Judie Arevalo, one of FEU’s most reliable forwards this season, restored the lead in the 29th minute, slipping past Ateneo’s backline off a precise assist from Sarahgen Tulabing. By the 42nd minute, Pabuaya sliced through the defense before setting up Althea Rebosura for a clean finish, stretching FEU’s lead to two goals.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Blue Eagles almost sparked a comeback in the 63rd minute, as Angely Alferez threatened twice, pressing the Lady Tamaraws and coming close to scoring.
In the 73rd minute, Leofrance Gayapa capitalized on a miscue by keeper Chelsey Casals, pouncing on a loose ball for a close-range finish that put FEU further ahead and effectively sealed the match.
FEU will now set its sights on La Salle in what marks the fifth straight final between the two schools. This season, FEU has already beaten the Lady Booters twice — 2–1 on October 4 and again last Wednesday in the eliminations.
Despite their dominance over La Salle in Season 88, Dimzon remains cautious.
Anything can happen in the November 15 final at UP Diliman Football Stadium, with kickoff scheduled at 5:00 PM.
“Although nakalaro na namin ang La Salle, we need to be focused,” said the former national team mentor.
“Hindi kami mag-re-relax dahil lang natalo namin ang La Salle for two games. Kailangan talaga, we need to strengthen our attacks, yung discipline in both attack and defending, and then also yung rotation ng players.”
