By: Nicole Parallag
De La Salle opened its redemption campaign on a high note by blanking the University of Santo Tomas 2-0 in the opener of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
While returning striker Arantxa Trebol and rookie Maria Tanjangco were the goal scorers for the Lady Booters, senior forward and national team player Shai Del Campo played a crucial role in both instances.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Trebol has recovered from an ACL injury that sidelined her for the entirety of Season 86. She opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time by following up on Del Campo’s initial attempt, which had forced a save from UST goalkeeper Lizlie Garcia.
In the second half, Tanjangco – whose football experience includes stints with Kaya FC – secured all three points in the 66th minute with an assist from Del Campo.
After the game, La Salle coach Alvin Ocampo expressed his satisfaction with his rookie’s performance.
“It’s a way of boosting [Tanjangco’s] confidence. She did really well on her first game. Still with that goal, she was able to secure for La Salle,” said Ocampo.
He also noted Trebol’s eagerness to return after a long injury layoff: “We still have to manage her as she was a year out, but she came back ready with the team.”
Looking ahead, La Salle will face UP next Saturday at 6:30 PM on the same Diliman pitch.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ocampo highlighted the impact of the weather on the match, which was suspended for 30 minutes due to intense rain.
“We have to be prepared, either there are puddles or the ball moves quickly – it makes a difference in the game. But we have to move forward since it’s just the first game,” he said.
On the other hand, UST initially held a tight defense in the first half, blocking La Salle’s scoring opportunities.
However, the defense of the Lady Booters from España crumbled when set-piece opportunities arose for the Lady Booters.
UST, now under first-year head coach Marjo Allado, will have a month to prepare for their next match against defending champion Far Eastern University on October 19 at 6:30 PM.
