By: Nicole Parallag
Defending champion Far Eastern University dominated Ateneo de Manila University with a commanding 3-0 victory to open its ‘three-peat’ bid on Saturday in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The Lady Tamaraws showcased their strength early on, with reigning MVP and FEU captain Inday Tolentin scoring a goal in the fifth minute, setting the tone for the match.
As the first half progressed, FEU continued to apply pressure.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Just two minutes before the halftime whistle, Regine Rebosura doubled the Lady Tamaraws’ lead, leaving Ateneo with a significant challenge ahead.
This two-goal cushion proved crucial as the teams headed into the break.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The second half saw FEU maintain its dominance, and in the 75th minute, Sarah Tulabing scored an insurance goal, effectively sealing the victory for the Lady Tamaraws.
“During the first half, masyadong tense, walang plays and sobrang laki ng spaces. Di ma-apply yung attack so nawawalan kami ng chances in front. Nagkaroon kami ng problem with the spaces. During the second half, naka-adjust, especially nung pinasok namin ung new players,” Lady Tamaraws head coach Let Dimzon noted
With this victory, FEU starts the tournament with three points and a goal difference of plus-3, joining La Salle (+2) and UP (+1) at the top of the table.
The Lady Tamaraws will look to continue their winning ways against the UST Lady Booters on October 19 at 6:30 PM at the same Diliman field.
Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles, who are coming off a defeat against UP, nearly found the net in the 70th minute with Angely Alferez but fell just short.
Ateneo, still in search of its first win, will face archrival La Salle on October 19 at 4:00 PM at the same venue.
