By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters pulled through against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses en route to their third win, 1-0, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s football tourney earlier today, October 1, at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite.

The Lady Tamaraw Booters paced their offense early with midfielder Regine Rebosura almost nicking a goal at the two-minute mark.

Despite their scoring chances, FEU and UST only exchanged nearly scored shots to end the first half of the match.

A different energy came in for the Morayta-based squad in the second half, pushing their offensive pace faster.

In need of a goal, forward Judie Arevalo scored the first one through an assist into the goal area from fellow forward Angel Egay in the 52nd minute, 1-0.

With both teams finding more ways to score, the Lady Tamaraw Booters went on a seesaw battle to maintain their lead over the Growling Tigresses. 

FEU's physicality resulted in a clash with UST near the goal after attempting to score at the 75-minute mark of the game.

Continuing their hunger to score, the green-and-gold booters had another shot at a goal from Rebosura to Arevalo but she missed in the fifth minute of stoppage time of the game. 

To extend their strong showing, FEU's tight physical defense stopped UST's attempt to equalize with a free kick late in the match.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, head coach Let Dimzon credited Arevalo's presence in the second half for their lone goal of the game.

“Mas solid kasi 'yung second half especially with Judie inside. So mas maraming opportunity talaga silang nakakalabas especially doon sa attacking turn (The second half was better especially with Judie inside. It created more opportunities especially on the attacking turn),” the lead tactician said.

With a flawless record, Coach Dimzon aims to focus on the team's mental preparation and technical aspects in future games.

"In the first half, 'di namin ma-control tempo ng play namin. Sumasabay lang sila sa game ng UST. So I think 'yung mental preparations importante, and also 'yung aspect ng technical especially kapag may chances kami sa harapan (In the first half, we could not control the tempo of our plays, we were only matching the flow with UST, so I think mental preparations are important and also the technical aspect especially with our chances up front),” she shared.

After recording an impressive 3-0-0 win-draw-loss tally, FEU is looking to maintain their win streak against De La Salle University on Saturday, October 4, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)