De La Salle University striker Shai Del Campo felt pleased to finally break her duck in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament against defending champion Far Eastern University last Wednesday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Del Campo, a national team player who competed in the 19th Asian Games, broke the scoreless tie in the 68th minute by outmaneuvering defenders and finishing at the back post.
Unfortunately for La Salle, her goal wasn’t enough to secure the win, as FEU’s Judie Rose Arevalo equalized 10 minutes later, resulting in a draw.
While the match between the two title contenders ended on a less-than-dramatic note, the Season 81 gold medalist expressed satisfaction with her and her team’s performance against the Lady Tamaraws.
“Of course, it’s always a pleasure to score a goal for the team,” said Del Campo.
“I’ve been eager to score since the first game, but I kept missing chances in front of the goal. It took a lot of effort from everyone, and I’m really happy we managed to get a point from the game.”
The two teams have faced each other in the past three UAAP finals, with La Salle winning in Season 81 and FEU triumphing in Seasons 85 and 86.
Heading into this match, the Lady Tamaraws were on a four-game winning streak over the Lady Booters.
Although the win slipped away, La Salle showed promising signs of turning the tide in Season 87.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I don’t think they changed many players – just a few,” Del Campo said. “We really prepared for them like we do for every game, and I think we followed what our coaches wanted from us.
“We really wanted to be on top at the end of the first round, and it’s just goal difference keeping us from it. But that’s still something to be proud of. It’s a big achievement for everyone, and I hope we can stay on top until the end of the season.”
With 10 points as they enter the second round, Del Campo and her teammates are in a strong position to reach the final for the seventh consecutive season since Season 78.
For Del Campo, it’s about staying focused on each game, and she believes it’s too early to talk about reclaiming La Salle’s first title since Season 81.
La Salle still has four elimination-round matches left, and aside from points, the team will need to build momentum to finally overcome the heartbreak of the past two seasons and go all the way.
“Of course, now that the first round is over, everyone will be more eager to play, and everyone’s prepared to face each team again,” she added. “Now that we’ve had a chance to feel out each opponent, we’re all gearing up for the second round.”
