Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters took their third consecutive championship as they won against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters, 3-2, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s football finals earlier tonight, December 14, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila City.

The green-and-gold squad played defense first as the Lady Archers opened the match with a ball possession.

When FEU got the chance to play offense, they still struggled to go near their goal as La Salle played rock-solid defense.

Both teams showed alternate periods of dominance, but Lady Tam Judy Arevalo came out on top with the first goal of the match via glancing header during the 28th minute of the match.

However, Lady Booter Chenny Mae Dañoso instantly answered back with her long-distance goal to equalize the score, 1-1.

During the eighth extra minute of the first half, FEU’s Marinel Cristobal had a successful direct free kick to gain the lead after DLSU’s Maegan Andrea Aldorque penalty push.

In the second half, the Morayta-based squad committed a foul that gave DLSU a free kick, in which Lady Archer Rocelles Mendańo carried off another goal during the 57th minute to tie the game again, 2-2.

Fortunately, FEU’s Regine Rebosura sealed another header goal to bring back their lead during the 67th minute. 

Despite La Salle’s captain, Alisha Clare Del Campo’s extra effort to force overtime, Lady Tam Lyka Cuenco successfully defended the goal as their goalkeeper was down. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, head coach Let Dimzon mentioned that even though they already achieved the three-peat, they are still ‘looking for more.’

“Very rare na mangyari ‘yung mag-three-peat ka, but we are still looking for more. But again, this is a good gift for those who are graduating this school year… They never gave up, and with their hard work and resiliency, kahit nag-draw, bumabawi talaga sila (It's very rare to achieve a three-peat, but we are still aiming for more. Still, this is a great gift for those graduating this school year... They never gave up, and with their hard work and resilience, even when they faltered, they always bounced back),” she said.

Team captain Dionesa Tolentin shared that despite graduating, she hopes that the team will keep their reign in the UAAP. 

“Nakaka-overwhelm kasi pangarap lang namin ‘to. Ngayon, nakuha na namin kaya sobrang saya namin. Sa amin lang is sana ma-keep pa namin ‘tong title namin. Hindi lang three-peat kundi four, five, six (It’s overwhelming because this was just a dream for us, and now we’ve achieved it, so we’re really happy. For us, it’s about hoping we can keep this title. Not just a three-peat, but a four, five, six),” she stated. 

Together with Tolentin, Carmela Altiche, Janly Fontamillas, Jonela Albińo, Erma Balacua and Lyka Jane Cuenco will bid their farewell as three-time champions for the green-and-gold squad.

This season’s gold marked the FEU Lady Tamaraw Booters’ 13th championship.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)