Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines played to a goalless draw in their UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football second-round opener at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
Ateneo goalkeeper Chelssy Casals made crucial saves, including denying substitute Isalyn Tundag’s late attempts, helping the Blue Eagles secure a point.
This brings them to four points following their previous 1-0 win over University of Santo Tomas Lady Booters to close the first round.
“It was actually a good start for us this second round. We tried to press and take advantage of the loose balls, but unfortunately, ‘yung finishing talaga was a big problem. We cannot score right away; parang it takes time,” Ateneo head coach Bob Manlulo said.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Blue Eagles opened with two early chances on goal, both saved by UP keeper Eunice Eduave.
However, the Fighting Maroons soon found better opportunities, with first-round goalscorer Chantal Van Ommeren threatening to score.
Despite these close calls, the scoreline remained 0-0 at halftime, which pleased Manlulo. He credited his team’s defensive efforts, especially Casals’ performance in goal.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“She had good timing and the right anticipation of the whole game. It goes to show that the team wants to improve,” the veteran Ateneo coach remarked.
Looking ahead to their rematch with UST on Saturday at 6:30 PM, Manlulo emphasized the need for sharper decision-making, saying, “We have to practice how to control our decision-making at the right time, at the right moment. Because football is taking that move at the right time at the right moment.”
The Fighting Maroons nearly replicated their first-round win with a late attempt, as Hannah Muros broke into the Ateneo penalty area.
However, Casals shut down the chance, preserving the scoreless draw.
The season hosts, UP, remain in third place with five points and a minus-3 goal difference.
They will face defending champions Far Eastern University – who are aiming for their third consecutive title – on Saturday at 4:00 PM.
