Far Eastern University overcame an early scare to crush Ateneo de Manila University, 5-1, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s football tournament on Saturday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.
The Lady Tamaraws trailed early after Jada Bicierro put Ateneo ahead in the 10th minute. But FEU responded with a blistering comeback, scoring four goals before halftime.
Judie Arevalo equalized in the 19th minute and completed her brace in the 36th. In between, Season 85 Best Midfielder Regine Rebosura netted back-to-back goals in the 32nd and 33rd minutes to turn the tide.
“Maganda yung attacking, especially sa side ni Regine, very dangerous,” said head coach Let Dimzon, who returned after an international stint in Borneo. “Marami yung mga chances to score in the first half pero di nila na-ca-capitalize. Yun yung isa sa problem namin is yung distance namin from each other sa attacking field so I think ayun na lang ang kailngan nila i-improve.”
Rookie defender Knayeza Abella sealed the dominant win with a goal in the 53rd minute.
The victory boosted FEU to second place with six points and a +7 goal difference, trailing only De La Salle University. Ateneo, meanwhile, dropped to fourth place with back-to-back defeats and a -4 goal difference.
Both squads return to action on Wednesday at Vermosa: FEU faces University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m., while Ateneo battles University of the Philippines at 6:30 p.m.