Quezon city: Defending champion Far Eastern University (FEU) defeated Ateneo de Manila University, 4-1, on Saturday night, securing their spot in the UAAP Season 88 women’s football tournament finals against De La Salle University.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Lady Tamaraws, who have accumulated 24 points with a +20 goal difference, will compete against the Lady Archers at 5 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. This decisive match comes after a dominant performance by FEU, marking their resilience and strategic prowess on the field.
The Blue Eagles, despite a spirited effort, ended their campaign with a bronze medal, garnering 11 points and a -5 goal difference. This marks their first podium finish since Season 79, showcasing their progress over recent seasons.
During the semifinal match, FEU’s Jelan Pabuaya opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, with Ateneo’s Kassandra Zalamea quickly responding with a free-kick equalizer in the ninth minute. The Lady Tamaraws pulled ahead as Judie Arevalo and Althea Rebosura scored in the 29th and 42nd minutes, respectively. Ateneo’s attempt to close the gap was thwarted as Angely Alferez failed to score in the 63rd minute, before Leofrance Gayapa sealed the victory with a goal in the 73rd minute, taking advantage of a mistake by Ateneo’s goalkeeper Chelsey Casals.
FEU head coach Let Dimzon expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance, emphasizing the effort of players who rose from the bench to contribute significantly to the 4-1 victory. Dimzon noted the importance of maintaining focus and discipline, especially given FEU’s successful 2-0 record against La Salle this season. She underscored the need for robust attacks and disciplined defense as they prepare for the title clash.
Last year, FEU clinched their third consecutive crown by narrowly defeating La Salle, 3-2, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. As the Lady Tamaraws aim to extend their winning streak, the upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams.
