By Joshua Kyle Beltran and Gabrielle Amber Bellosillo
Becoming the first-ever team to record five championships in a row, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters made history after ruling over longtime rival De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters, 1-0, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 women’s football Finals earlier today, November 13, at the Rizal Memorial Football Pitch in Manila City.
Maintaining their status as the league’s winningest team, the victory extended FEU’s championship haul to 15.
After Judie Arevalo’s goal was deemed offside in the seventh minute, Jelan Pabuaya wasted no time with a clear-cut strike at the 10-minute mark, 1-0.
The Lady Tamaraw Booters retained control for the remainder of the first half, leaving DLSU scoreless despite four minutes of stoppage time.
In the 58th minute, the green-and-gold squad narrowly escaped an equalizer after La Salle’s Ushin Valencia almost converted a Jodie Banzon corner kick, but the attempt went over the crossbar.
Ten minutes later, Arevalo had another opportunity to extend their lead by two with an open shot toward the middle, but this time, the goal went wide.
The green-and-white squad looked to capitalize on their set pieces and continued to push for an equalizer, but FEU remained composed.
Shutting down any last-minute threats, the green-and-gold squad controlled possession until the final whistle, clinching their fifth straight title.
Despite just tallying one goal, Lady Tamaraw Booters head coach Let Dimzon expressed that the team’s love was more meaningful than claiming the five-peat.
“When I found out [about the victory], of course I was happy. But it’s not because of the score, it’s because of the love,” she said in a post-game interview.
With many of the team’s members graduating, Dimzon stressed how each individual player must work hard and avoid only relying on their seniors as part of their outlook for next season.
“You can’t rely on the players who are no longer in the team. So you need to defend yourself and work hard to win,” the lead tactician shared.
Concluding their collegiate careers as five-time champs are Nikk Duran, Jessa Lehayan, and Sarahgen Tulabing.
Meanwhile, Lilibeth Ansabor, Angel Egay, Althea Rebosura, Tiffany Trinidad, and Arevalo have yet to decide whether or not they will pursue their final year of eligibility.
(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)