Shai del Campo and Maria Layacan scored two goals each as De La Salle University drubbed archrival Ateneo de Manila University 5-0 to open their redemption bid in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Tournament Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Del Campo and Layacan gave last season’s finalists a dream start against the Blue Eagles by putting the ball at the back of the net in the 18th and 24th minutes respectively.
Come the second half, Del Campo scored La Salle’s fourth goal in the 77th minute while Layacan completed the rout in the 88th minute.
“The two players, I consider them probably as some of the fastest with the ball,” said coach Alvin Ocampo. “They’re our goal poachers. I think one of their goals each came from follow-ups. Kailangan continuous pa rin yung mga strengths ng mga bata eh.”
Defender Reese Jumawan scored La Salle’s third goal in the game with a header in the 73rd minute off a corner kick from teammate TJ Isulat.
The Lady Booters will seek to build on this win when they take on the UP Fighting Maroons this Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Anicka Castañeda, who was part of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team squad in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, made her long-awaited debut for the Lady Booters. The 24-year-old midfielder was on the pitch until the 60th minute, when Chenny Mae Danoso replaced her.
“Anicka was a bit jittery coming from a sickness na three days. Bale, it’s her first UAAP game, very first. We expected a lot from her today kaso the thing is hindi nag perform to our expectations but it’s not an excuse,” Ocampo said.
On the other hand, Ateneo will try to bounce back by upsetting defending champion Far Eastern University on March 9 at 6:30 p.m.
DLSU XI: Gumilao, Delos Reyes (C), Otom, Layacan, Teves, Mendaño, Del Campo, Jumawan, Goñe, Castañeda, Santiago.
Ateneo XI: Lee (GK), Tuaño, Tolentino, Samonte, Zalamea, Francisco (C), Alferez, Espiritu, Lim, Napoles, Eval.
