By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters dethroned De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters in overtime, 2-1, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 women’s football tourney held yesterday, May 21, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila City.

Both teams were at a slow start during the first half, but green-and-gold midfielder Regine Rebosura scored a goal with a minute on the second half to give FEU the lead, 1-0.

During the 90+10th minute, DLSU’s Shai del Campo equalized the game to a 1-1 rally which turned the finals match up into a 120-minute game.

Rebosura sealed the championship for the Morayta-based squad with a quick shot at the 118-minute mark.

In the post-game interview, FEU Head Coach Let Dimzon acknowledged that the team did not give up on claiming the gold podium finish against the defending champions.

“Our players never gave up. Even when we played against La Salle during the first round and they had a big lead, we still kept fighting, and the same in our last game during the second round,” she said.

FEU’s midfielders came atop of the league after Rebosura was named as the Rookie of the Year and Best Midfielder, while Katrina Magbitang claimed the Season Most Valuable Player award.

Magbitang added during the post-game interview that the team continued to fight despite the tight match they endured with La Salle in season 85.

“Lumaban pa rin kami hanggang dulo kasi meron kaming goal which is manalo itong season na ‘to. Actually, one last game na talaga kami kaya binuhos na namin lahat para manalo kami (We fought until the end because we have a goal which is to win this season. Actually, we only have one last game so we gave our all to win),” she stated.

The Lady Tamaraws secured the 12th gold podium finish of FEU women’s football team and FEU’s third treble since the last one in UAAP Season 77.

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP)