The ladies of Katipunan and Taft Avenue take center stage this weekend
After two games played for each, the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles and De La Salle University Lady Archers sit on top of the UAAP Season 79 Women’s Football Tournament standings with six points apiece.
Both teams head into the contest in superb form. Ateneo and La Salle have won their first two assignments this Season 79, and only goal difference gives the latter a slight advantage when it comes topping the table.
“I think we have a proper mindset and we really want to win so we’re doing everything that we can to get the three points every game,” commented La Salle’s fourth-year winger Nicole Andaya.
The Lady Archers have scored eight goals and only conceded three. In contrast, the Lady Eagles produced five goals and allowed four to get past them. Both teams, though, couldn’t be more different, as La Salle have an intact line-up, while Ateneo have tapped a new set of coaches headed by Jaypee Merida.
“Naturally, the team is in high spirits; however, more prevalent is the humility that this is only the start that having two wins does not guarantee the next win nor the trophy.
“Coach Jaypee always reiterates this to us in the huddle after every win,” shared Ateneo skipper Cam Rodriguez.
Andaya and Rodriguez have contributed two and three goals respectively to their schools’ campaigns, and both would want to be at the scoresheet by the game’s end. The two offensive players are veterans on their teams and will no doubt have an idea of how it is to play in the derby.
Andaya, who is a La Salle lifer, explained, “It’s a La Salle-Ateneo game. It’s always something else. Anything can happen but obviously we’re hoping for a win and we have to work for it.”
“I personally believe that the desire to score is what will help us attain our goal,” opined Rodriguez, who is in her fifth and final year of duty for the Blue and White.
“With a technically and tactically sound team like La Salle, it’s only natural to be mindful of defending them well but what’s needed is to go beyond that by capitalizing on every attacking opportunity.”
While the proverbial bragging rights are at stake alongside the three points, a win for one team could give them the push they need to seal a finals ticket in the second round. Lose, and initiative shall be granted to the other schools.
The game shall be held on March 4, 5:00 PM ,at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
