University of Santo Tomas secured its first win in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament, overpowering Ateneo de Manila University 3-0 on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The victory keeps UST in contention for a spot in the tournament final.
Fresh off her dramatic equalizer against De La Salle University last week, Gly Añonuevo opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike in the 38th minute, beating Ateneo goalkeeper Chelssy Casals.
Ilocos Sur native Nina Prado doubled UST’s advantage in the 86th minute, finding the back of the net from close range. Christy Logastua then sealed the win in stoppage time, completing the rout with a well-taken goal.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Deserve ng players,” said UST head coach Marjo Allado, who celebrated his first victory as the Lady Booters’ mentor. “For the last three games, parang nag-peak yung players eh. We drew against UP, we drew against La Salle, and then sabi nga namin na kulang na lang sa atin ay manalo kasi we already score goals eh.”
Both UST assistant coach Hazel Lustan and Ateneo standout Jada Bicierro were unavailable for this match as they represented the Philippine Women’s National Football Team in the 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship.
Ateneo had claimed a 1-0 victory over UST in the first round on October 26, courtesy of a goal from Angely Alferez.
The win brings UST level with the University of the Philippines at five points in the standings. UST will face defending champion Far Eastern University in a crucial match this coming Saturday at 6:30 PM.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Sabi ko, kung manalo tayo sa last remaining games namin, may chance tayo pumasok sa final,” said Allado. “Pero, Ateneo lang yung focus muna natin. Bawian natin sila kasi nung first round, tinalo nila tayo. Now, yung confidence ng girls, medyo mataas na ngayon. Hopefully in the next game against FEU, kahit draw we’re happy.”
Meanwhile, Ateneo, currently fifth in the standings with four points, is out of contention for this year’s final. The Blue Eagles will face archrival De La Salle University on Saturday at 4:00 PM.
With their confidence growing, UST looks determined to make their mark in the final stretch of the tournament.
