MANILA – Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws’ reign as the queen of UAAP women’s football was extended to three seasons after a 3-2 escape over De La Salle University Lady Booters in the Season 87 finals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Ilongga Jonela Albiño showcased her defensive prowess as the Lady Tamaraws secured their league-record 13th championship, seventh under the guidance of current head coach Let Dimzon.
“I am very happy about this achievement,” Dimzon said in a post-game interview. “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,” she added.
Judie Arevalo opened the scoring for the Lady Tamaraws in the 28th minute, but the Lady Booters managed to equalize five minutes later with Chenny Mae Dañoso’s long-range shot from outside the box.
FEU regained the lead through Carmela Altiche’s penalty late in the first half, but DLSU knotted the score anew via a free kick from Maye Mendaño in the 56th minute before the Regine Rebosura converted the marginal header in the 67th minute for FEU.
“It will be hard for us next year since ‘yung mawawala sa amin is yung backline namin,” Dimzon said, referring to her graduating players Inday Tolentin, Janlay Fontamillas, Erma Balacua, Lyka Cuenco, Albiño and Altiche.
“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,” she added.
The Lady Booters capped the season with their third consecutive runner-up finish, while the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses earned the bronze medal, their first podium finish since Season 81./PN
