Nathalie Absalon scored twice to tow University of Santo Tomas to a 2-0 victory over Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Football Tournament, Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Field.
The Masbate native scored in the 1st and 46th minutes to carry the Lady Booters past the winless Blue Eagles. She now has three goals this season.
“Masaya ako kasi nag step-up si Nathalie. I really need someone who can score from my team. Yun yung lacking namin based on yung performances nila sa previous games nila, na wala kaming scorer,” said UST coach Aging Rubio.
Absalon could have had a hattrick, but she just could not find the back of the net again. She shot wide deep in the second half with the goal at her mercy, then saw another attempt saved by Ateneo goalkeeper Adrielle Lee.
“Si Nathalie naman nandiyan naman sa kanya yun eh. May capacity talaga siya to score para sa team. Masaya ako kasi nag-score siya ng dalawa, so at least umangat ng kaunti yung morale ng team ko,” Rubio said about Absalon.
UST solidified its hold of third place in the table with seven points on the back of two wins, one draw, and one defeat.
“Okay na rin siya for now, kasi yun lang yung inabot ng team namin. Pero hoping for better performances going into the second round,” added Rubio. “Mag-prepare lang kami nang maayos para lang ma-polish yung kailangan i-polish especially sa attacking side namin.”
On the other hand, Ateneo failed to tally a point after four matches played.
Ateneo XI: Lee, Schroth, Tuaño, Zalamea, Avedillo, Francisco, Lumagui, Guerrero, Espiritu, Lim, Ignacio.
UST XI: Punzalan (GK), Ramos, Añonuevo, Santerva, Lorque, Asilo, Sy, Abo-abo, Mosico, Absalon, Fernandez.
