Match on Sunday
(Rizal Memorial Stadium)
5 p.m. – Ateneo vs FEU (Men’s Final)
Far Eastern University’s reign as the queen of UAAP women’s football has been extended for a third consecutive season.
With Regine Rebosura’s winning goal, FEU outlasted De La Salle University in a thrilling 3-2 victory in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Final on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Lady Tamaraws, with a league-record 13 championships, secured their first three-peat since 2013-2015 (Seasons 75-77). This win also marked Let Dimzon’s seventh title as head coach since taking the role in 2011 (Season 73).
“I’m very happy about this achievement,” said Dimzon. “Siyempre, it’s very rare mangyari na mag-the-three peat ka, pero we’re still looking for more. This is a good gift for those who are graduating this school year. They’re the ones working hard on the field and they are in the game. Although may mga lapses kami, but again, ayun ang maganda sa mga players namin — they never gave up.”
Rebosura, who had broken the Lady Booters’ hearts with a brace in the Season 85 final, scored the decisive 67th-minute header off a cross from teammate Carmela Altiche, securing the crown for the Lady Tamaraws.
Judie Arevalo, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year, gave FEU its first lead in the 28th minute.
La Salle equalized five minutes later, with Chenny Mae Dañoso’s long-range shot from outside the FEU box beating goalkeeper Yasmin Elauria.
Just before the first half ended, the Lady Tamaraws regained the lead through Altiche’s penalty, awarded after Lady Booters defender Maegan Alforque fouled Marinelle Cristobal.
La Salle’s Maye Mendaño then scored the second equalizer in the 56th minute, converting a free kick from the left flank that narrowly crossed the line.
After another deadlock, it was FEU that found the final breakthrough with Rebosura’s header, for which La Salle had no reply. Striker Shai Del Campo had a shot blocked by Elauria, while Lady Tamaraws defender Lyka Jane Cuenco made a dramatic goalline clearance during a scramble in her box.
Moments after sealing another crown, Dimzon set her sights on a fourth straight title for FEU, as captain Inday Tolentin, Janlay Fontamillas, Jonela Albiño, Erma Balacua, Cuenco, and Altiche all graduate as champions.
“It will be hard for us since yung mawawala sa amin is yung backline namin,” Dimzon said. “Very important now is the recruitment and also yung work within the group. Since we still have time to prepare for the next season, ayun ang aming tatrabahuin ngayon to improve yung second stringers sa backline.”
With its reign extended atop the women’s division, FEU will now aim to reclaim the men’s crown by defeating Ateneo de Manila University in the final of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament at 5 p.m. on Sunday, also at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
FEU also claimed the Women’s Chess and Women’s Athletics golds this Season 87.
Meanwhile, this marks the third consecutive season that La Salle finished in second place.
Several Lady Tamaraws also earned individual honors.
Elauria, with four clean sheets, was named Best Goalkeeper, while Albiño, a native of Iloilo City, earned the Best Defender title.
After a crucial performance that included a goal and an assist, Altiche was named Most Valuable Player.
Tolentin, who also received the Best Midfielder award, and La Salle rookie striker Dani Tanjangco were named co-awardees of the Golden Boot with five goals each.
“Nakaka-overwhelm kasi pangarap lang namin to makuha yung three-peat,” Tolentin said. “Ngayon nakuha namin, sobrang saya di lang para sa akin, kundi sa coaches namin at sa teammates ko. Sobrang saya namin ngayon so amin lang is sana ma-keep pa namin yung title namin ngayon. Di lang three-peat pero four, five, six(-peat) pa.”
Tanjangco capped off her stellar first year as a Lady Booter by also earning the Rookie of the Year and Best Striker awards.
The Lady Tamaraws were also presented with the Fair Play Award.
Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas earned the bronze medal in Season 87, securing its first podium finish since Season 81.
