By Aine Peralta
Despite absorbing early pressure, Far Eastern University (FEU) secured a 1–0 victory after Lady Tamaraw Booter Julia Sacmar struck the lone goal against University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Booters in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 women’s football tournament earlier today, September 30, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.
The Morayta-based squad was forced onto the back foot for the opening 30 minutes as UST mounted a heavy offensive surge.
Anchoring the defense early, rookie goalkeeper Mikah Ranain preserved the level scoreline with a clutch save against Growling Tigress Gleydille Añonuevo in the 14th minute, 0-0.
UST’s Añonuevo threatened the FEU net once again in the 26th minute, but the green-and-gold squad’s backline managed to keep the ball from crossing the goal line.
Capitalizing on their momentum in the 36th minute, the Let Dimzon-led team finally broke through as Iries Dela Cruz set up Sacmar for the lone strike of the match, 1-0.
The yellow-and-black squad continued to hunt for an equalizer throughout the second half, but the Lady Tamaraw Booters remained resolute, denying every threat to shut out UST and seal the win.
In an interview with FEU Advocate, current league’s top scorer Sacmar underlined that fulfilling team objectives remains her top priority over individual accolades.
“Every time na makapasok ako, do your best lang talaga... kung ano ‘yung goal niyo as a team, ‘yun ‘yung ‘wag mong kakalimutan — tsaka ano ‘yung reason kung bakit ka nandiyan sa loob (Every time I get sent in, you really just have to do your best, never forget what your goal is as a team — and remember the reason why you are on the pitch),” she said.
Reflecting on playing with the team’s veterans, the Morayta standout embraced the pressure, vowing to stay focused on her role for the rest of the round.
“Sobrang nandito ‘yung pressure, pero iniisip ko lang ‘yung feeling na makasama sila. Ang dami kong pinagdaanan para makatrabaho sila sa loob... It was good (The pressure is definitely there, but I just focus on the feeling of being able to play with them. I went through so much just to work alongside them on the pitch. It was good),” Sacmar shared.
With FEU keeping their long-standing winning streak intact, head coach Dimzon commended the team’s defense and resilience despite heavy pressure from UST.
“Maayos ‘yung ginawa ng defenders ko ngayon… They were able to handle ‘yung mga chances ng UST… I’m very satisfied with their game... They did their best para maipanalo ‘tong game na ‘to (My defenders did a great job today. They were able to handle the chances of UST. I’m very satisfied with their game. They did their best to win this game),” she expressed.
Carrying a 3-0 win-loss record, FEU turns their sight to Ateneo de Manila University as they aim to keep their flawless mark untouched on Saturday, October 3, at the same venue.
(Photo by Rian Balagtas/FEU Advocate)