By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters kept their winning streak alive with a commanding victory over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses, 2-0, to kick off the second round of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s football tournament earlier today, October 18, at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

The Lady Tamaraws had a slow start in the first half, struggling to break through UST’s solid defensive line despite Regine Rebosura’s offensive efforts. 

Pushing for a goal just before halftime, Marienell Cristobal and Rebosura continued leading the team, but resulted in multiple out-of-bound plays. 

The green-and-gold squad ended the first half with 10 attempted shots, but failed to convert, leaving the scoreboard blank at halftime. 

Determined to claim their first goal, the Morayta-based team powered up their offenses right after halftime to get past the España-based squad’s defenses.

During the 57th minute, senior forward Judie Arevalo delivered the Lady Tamaraw Booters’ first goal, 1-0.

Capitalizing on the Tigresses’ defensive lapses, midfielder Rebosura quickly followed up with another goal at the 59-minute mark, 2-0.

FEU nearly widened the gap further in the 63rd minute when Iries Dela Cruz found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call.

The Lady Tamaraw Booters kept UST at bay with sharp offensive and defensive plays, with Morayta goal keeper Jessa Lehayan not letting the Tigresses score during the crucial part of the game. 

With four minutes of stoppage time, the green-and-gold squad held firm with an airtight defense, denying the Lady Booters any chance to score any further, ending the game at 2-0.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Lady Tamaraw Booters assistant coach Fitch Arboleda reminded the team to keep their spirits alive during their remaining games as they gun for a 14th championship.

“Stay hungry lang since hindi pa tapos ‘yung season. Hangga’t hindi namin nakukuha ‘yung championship, hindi pa tapos ‘yung trabaho (Just stay hungry because the season isn’t over yet. Until we win the championship, the job’s not done),” he said.

To keep their unbeaten run, Coach Arboleda also mentioned utilizing the rotation players to keep their momentum. 

“Number one, ‘yung mga rotation players. Sana mas magamit namin for the next coming games. And then syempre iwasan ‘yung mga cards. Dapat talaga capable ‘yung rotation players to play the same level nung mga starters,” he mentioned.

Currently leading the standings with a 5-0-0 win-draw-loss record, the Lady Tamaraw Booters aim to maintain their winning momentum against  UP next Saturday, October 25, at the same venue.
(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)