By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Booters tamps down the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 8-0, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 women's football tourney today, March 9, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

The green-and-gold ladies had a strong start in the first half after an early goal by Judie Arevalo at the 14th minute, followed by Sarahgen Tulabing’s goal at the 21st minute.

However, the team failed to follow through with additional goals due to Ateneo’s goal defense, ending the first half at 2-0.

In a post-game interview, FEU Head Coach Let Dimzon shared what they discussed with the team after the early half of the game.

“Kasi ‘yung weaknesses ng opponent, so I think ayun ‘yung naging discussion namin from the morning session. If we can find those spaces na sa side and then we can apply ‘yung strength ng team, which is we [that] have good speed and then delivering the ball in front, so ayun ‘yung nag-work (It's the opponent’s weaknesses, so that's what we discussed also from the morning session. If we can find those spaces on their side and then we can apply the team’s strength, which is that we have good speed and delivering the ball in front, so that's what worked),” she said.

Six goals were added to the team’s score in the second half after Lyka Cuenco earned a point in the 53rd minute, while Arevalo and Tulabing scored double in the 59th and 62nd minute, respectively.

Lady Booter Angel Egay scored off the bench in the 80th minute to boost the team’s score.

Meanwhile, Team Captain Dionesa Tolentin goaled at 90+4th minute to end the game, 8-0.

Coach Dimzon also added the advantage of having a high-scoring game ahead of their match against their season 85 finals rival.

“Mas maganda nga siya na nakapaglaro kami nang ganito ka-gandang play, so at least alam nila kung papaano ‘yung gauge namin going to La Salle game (It’s actually good that we were able to execute this good of a play, so at least they know how we gauge going to the La Salle game),” she stated.

The Diliman-based squad is now at a 2-0-0 win-draw-loss record and will face their finals rival, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters next Saturday, March 16, at the same venue.

(Photo by Kayla Babista/FEU Advocate)