By Joshua Kyle Beltran

For the fourth consecutive season, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters claimed the championship title after taking down the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters, 2-0, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s football final earlier today, November 15, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

Just 14 minutes into the match, forward Judie Arevalo kickstarted FEU’s offense with their first goal. 

With one goal secured, the Morayta-based squad were quick to conserve their energy as they shifted to a more defensive approach.

Sure enough, the green-and-gold booters kept DLSU scoreless by the end of the first half, one-nil.

Comfortable with one point so far, the Let Dimzon-led squad stayed on the defensive side at the start of the second half.

This tactic proved effective as FEU goalie Jessa Lahayan successfully denied three consecutive goals from La Salle in the span of five minutes.

While most goal attempts were on target, the Morayta-based team’s strikes were unfortunately not strong enough to go through La Salle.

Despite the missed chances, the green-and-gold squad remained persistent in pressuring the green-and-white team with their firm defense.

Nearing the final whistle, it was not long until the DLSU’s hopes for a point started to dwindle, as they still have not claimed a goal to equalize the scoreboard.

With three minutes of added time, Regine Rebosura found an opening in La Salle’s defense to end the game in classic Tamaraw fashion, 2-0.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, green-and-gold head coach Dimzon mentioned how the four-peat served as a parting gift to her graduating players.

“It’s for the players. As I mentioned kanina, it’s a good exit, especially doon sa mga graduating players. Winning four times na naglaro sila for FEU, and then they get the four-peat,” she said.

Even after four straight titles, Dimzon shared her plans of building the team moving forward as she eyed for the fifth championship.

“Siyempre, going five-peat na (Of course, next is the five-peat). We need to keep this momentum. Although may mawawala na (we’ll say goodbye to some) players, we need to develop another batch of strong, resilient, and determined players,” she mentioned.

Now exiting as four-time champs for FEU are Kyla Doctora, Merry Lou Soriano, Paula Artillo, and Jonela Albiño.

This victory marks the Lady Tamaraw Booters’ 14th title. 

(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)