By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters opened their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 campaign with a win against the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 3-0, in the women's football tourney earlier today, September 28, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

The green-and-gold team took an early lead in the match with senior Dionesa Tolentin’s goal at the fifth minute.

Following the first goal, both teams were unable to secure additional goals until Lady Booter Regine Rebosura’s lucky score off the hands of Blue Eagle goalie Chelssy Casals at the 43-minute mark.

The second half still came slow for each side but FEU utilized their second stringers in hopes of improving their point production in the game.

Fortunately, Sarahgen Tulabing was able to add another goal on the board for the Lady Tams at the 75th minute.

During a postgame interview, FEU head coach Let Dimzon sees the need for improvement in creating plays to secure a more efficient play despite a three-to-none performance.

“Regarding doon sa movement kasi during the first half, even [though] they were able to score during that time, ayun nga, sabi ko nga, hindi ganu'n kapulido ‘yung movement especially in the middle area (Regarding their movement in the first half, even though they were able to score during that time, as I said, their movements were not very polished especially in the middle area),” she said.

The lead tactician then talked about her confidence in the bench players adjusting well during the second half of the match.

“‘Yung level of performance [is] not that far from the first group, so I’m confident na sila ‘yung main [players], even during the first half kaya ko magpalit ng players. But again, syempre since first game ‘to, kailangan na muna mag-adjust ‘yung first team, so hindi ko basta sila ilalabas (Their level of performance is not that far from the first group, so I’m confident that they can be the main players, even during the first half I can change players. But again, since this is their first game, the first stringers have to adjust, so I wouldn't put them out there yet),” Dimzon added.

With a 1-0-0 win-draw-loss opening record, the Lady Booters are looking to extend their reign in their next match against University of Santo Tomas on October 19 at the same venue.

(Photo by Aleena Louise Abad/FEU Advocate)