By Dwyane Harry L. Cabrera

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters conquered the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, handing down a 4-0 loss to open the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women's football tournament earlier today, September 24, at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite.

In a seesaw affair for the ball, the Lady Tamaraw Booters tested the Maroons’ defense with different offensive combinations but still failed to break through, keeping the scoreboard blank in the early minutes of the game

FEU forward Marienell Cristobal pushed through the Diliman-based squad's defense, allowing her to score the first goal of the game at the 27-minute mark, 1-0.

The first half concluded with the Tamaraws scoring one of 14 shots made while the Fighting Maroons remained scoreless with no attacks attempted.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Lady Tamaraw booters assistant coach Fitch Arboleda stated the adjustments and precautions they made in the first half.

“Medyo madulas ‘yung field; we don’t want to give pressure muna doon sa mga bata. One of the biggest adjustments is ‘yung weather and ‘yung curvature ng field, hindi kasing tulad nung pinagtre-training-an namin (The field is slippery due to rain; we don’t want to give pressure to the kids. One of the biggest adjustments is the weather and the field’s curvature. We are not familiar with those settings),” he said.

The green-and-gold booters picked up the pace at the early minutes of the second half, leaving a path for forward Judie Arevalo to score an easy goal in the 59th minute, 2-0.

Keeping their composure and momentum strong, forward Regine Rebosura then registered a quick goal for the team at the 64-minute mark for a commanding 3-0 lead.

In the second minute of added time, midfielder Althea Rebosura wrapped up the match with a header from a long throw-in pass, 4-0.

With zero goals scored from UP, Arboleda commended the team for their efforts and relentlessness that led to the win.

“Good effort sa mga bata. Lahat nagtatrabaho, walang nagre-relax… gusto rin talaga namin i-dominate ‘yung laro (The girls exerted their best effort… as we wanted to dominate the game),” he added.

The Lady Tamaraws will look to build a winning streak this Saturday, September 27, against Ateneo De Manila University at the UP Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.

(Photo by Thea Danielle Morin/FEU Advocate)