Angely Alferez scored the decisive goal as Ateneo de Manila University edged past University of Santo Tomas, 1-0, for its breakthrough win in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Alferez, a standout from Tagum City National Comprehensive High School, broke through in the 37th minute, slipping the ball past Lady Booters goalkeeper Lizlie Garcia to secure Ateneo’s first win of the season.
The Blue Eagles had a chance to extend their lead with Jada Bicierro’s attempt, but it missed the target.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo closed the first round tied at three points with the University of the Philippines but placed fourth due to an inferior goal difference of minus-4 compared to UP’s minus-3.
“Of course, it’s a joyful event for us,” said Blue Eagles head coach Bob Manlulo. “We had an online training for this one when it comes to executing our attacking system because in the past three games, we couldn’t score and we couldn’t find the opportunity to have that goalscoring chance.
“But in this game, we had a lot of chances despite the weather conditions. We only had one training day and succeeded in our online discussion,” he added.
Meanwhile, UST will close the first round against UP this Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UST thought they had scored first in the 28th minute, but Juliana Gerona’s attempt was ruled offside.
Late in the match, Jearferlyn Ramos had a free kick that could have leveled the game, but she missed the target.
The Lady Booters remain at the bottom of the standings with zero points and a minus-4 goal difference.
